Valve device

Abstract

Some embodiments described herein relate to a valve device (10; 110; 210) comprising an inlet aperture (12; 212) and an outlet aperture (13; 213) for a fluid, a chamber (16) for selectively communicating the inlet aperture (12, 212) and the outlet (13, 213), a housing compartment (15), a piston (14, 214) disposed in the compartment (15) and movable between a closed position, in which the piston prevents the passage of the fluid, and an open position, in which the piston allows the passage of the fluid, and elastic return means (17) associated with the piston (14; 214). The invention also relates to a machine for the preparation of a beverage comprising at least one valve device according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to a valve device suitable for increasing pressure along a pipeline, which can also be used as a check valve. For example, the device can be used in a machine for preparing coffee beverages, either as a delivery valve upstream of the brewing chamber or as a cream whipper valve downstream of the brewing chamber. The device also has anti-scaling properties. Background Technology

[0002] Valve devices are known to be used to increase pressure within a chamber or pipe, and are installed along the pipe.

[0003] For example, in machines used to prepare coffee beverages, it is known that a valve device is used downstream of the brewing chamber along the fluid path, which acts as a whipping cream valve.

[0004] The increased pressure along the beverage outlet pipe causes bubbles to form, creating a foam layer on top of the beverage.

[0005] Known valve devices typically include a housing body and a gate body. The housing body is provided with at least one inlet and one outlet for fluid. The gate body is movable inside the housing between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, fluid can flow through the valve device, and in the closed position, the gate body blocks the flow of fluid.

[0006] In addition, a spring is typically provided, which acts on the gate body and is usually positioned along the fluid flow path and in contact with the fluid. A disadvantage of these known valve devices is that, when used for liquid flow, scale can deposit on the spring coil, reducing its performance and requiring frequent descaling operations.

[0007] Furthermore, when coffee beverages must pass through this valve device, solids dissolved in the beverage can also deposit on the elastic element. These solids are known to be resistant and tend to make things very dirty, complicating cleaning operations. In particular, coffee machines that require the use of this known valve device frequently require special cleaning and descaling cycles.

[0008] Known valve devices are described, for example, in WO-A-2014 / 053439A1, EP3311713A1, EP2299155A1 and WO2105 / 015370A1.

[0009] Document WO-A-2014 / 053439A1 describes a valve device for injecting fluid under pressure into a capsule containing coffee powder. The valve device includes a gate portion that inserts into a mating seat having an outlet orifice for the liquid. The gate portion is held in position in substantially contact with the outlet orifice by a resilient mechanism acting on a piston. The valve device is designed to minimize any internal space where liquid can accumulate and requires high pressure to be in the open position.

[0010] Document EP describes a valve for a compressor and a corresponding method for reducing pressure loss, the valve having a passage for converging-diverging fluids.

[0011] Other valve devices for espresso machines are described in documents EP3311713A1 and WO2015 / 015370A.

[0012] Another drawback of the known scheme is that the known valve device does not always guarantee that the flow direction occurs in a single direction, so it is possible that the flow supplied in a certain direction tends to backflow.

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art solutions.

[0014] In particular, one objective is to provide a valve device that prevents the buildup of scale and is therefore able to be cleaned in a simple and effective manner.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and economical valve device.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that can guarantee stable and sustained compressive force even when subjected to continuous and repeated stress.

[0017] Another objective is to provide a valve device that can be used as a check valve to ensure that fluid flows only in one direction.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to improve a machine for preparing coffee beverages that is efficient and requires minimal cleaning and maintenance intervention.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that guarantees optimal sealing in the closed state, while being usable in applications requiring relatively low pressure values.

[0020] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0021] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations thereof.

[0022] According to the above purpose, the valve device includes a valve body defining a housing compartment, an inlet port and an outlet port for fluid, a chamber that selectively communicates the inlet port and the outlet port, a piston disposed in the compartment and movable relative to the outlet port between a first closed position and a second open position, and an elastic return device associated with the piston.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastic device is located outside the chamber.

[0024] According to some embodiments, in the open position, the inlet and outlet holes are directly connected to each other.

[0025] In other words, apart from the movable piston, there are no additional components placed between the inlet and outlet ports, or any additional components that help to close the inlet port even partially.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, in the closed position of the valve device and the maximum release position of the resilient device, a space defined as substantially the same width as the housing compartment is maintained between the head surface of the piston and the inlet wall of the valve body, wherein such space directly faces the inlet orifice.

[0027] Therefore, this free space can advantageously be filled with liquid from the inlet orifice, which can accumulate in the free space, thereby applying pressure on the piston head surface and on the inlet wall surrounding the inlet orifice. Thus, in this valve assembly, there is a large actuating surface on which the liquid can act, allowing for a high-resistance elastic device that ensures a good sealing closure while enabling the valve to open without requiring particularly high liquid pressure.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the width of the free space in a plane orthogonal to the fluid inlet direction is at least equal to 80% of the width of the shell compartment, or greater than 80% of the width of the shell compartment.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the inlet wall may have at least one flat portion disposed substantially parallel to the head surface of the piston, which defines a free space, thus allowing the free space to have a substantially constant depth. Therefore, the pressure applied by the fluid is substantially constant across the entire contact surface, allowing the piston to move uniformly within the compartment.

[0030] Furthermore, since the elastic device is located inside the chamber, that is, outside the fluid path, it prevents scale from potentially accumulating in the elastic device.

[0031] In addition, the flexible device is positioned outside the path followed by the fluid, making the path easy to clean.

[0032] Therefore, this construction allows the use of simple cup-shaped or spiral metal springs as elastic devices without the need for specific and expensive components, as their service life is not shortened because they are protected from scale, and they guarantee effective and efficient operation over time.

[0033] This makes the valve device also suitable for use as a whipping valve in machines used to prepare coffee beverages, where it comes into direct contact with the coffee beverage. In fact, the beverage remains confined within the chamber without coming into contact with the elastic device in any way.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the inlet and outlet ports are positioned on adjacent sides of the housing, positioned substantially orthogonal to each other, and fluid moves the piston away from the outlet port by the action of the piston.

[0035] Specifically, fluid enters the valve device in the same direction as the compression direction of the elastic device and accumulates in the free space until the pressure of the fluid is sufficient to compress the elastic device and move the piston away from the outlet.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the inlet orifice may have an area much smaller than that of the inlet wall, for example, between 1 / 10 and 1 / 12 of the cross-section, in order to maximize the usable area where the fluid can act.

[0037] The valve body may include two half-shells, each half-shell having its own coupling element configured to cooperate with each other to achieve stable coupling, wherein the first half-shell, together with a movable piston, defines a valve chamber, and the second half-shell cooperates with an elastic device to supply the desired counter-pressure to the movable piston.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the movable piston may include a rod extending from an opposite side relative to the head surface, the rod being configured to slide in a through-hole in the valve body, the through-hole being configured to be substantially coaxial with the inlet port, the through-hole serving as a guide for the movable piston, keeping the movable piston aligned along the sliding axis.

[0039] In one variation, the inlet and outlet ports are arranged coaxially with each other and on opposite sides of the valve body relative to the sliding axis of the piston. In this way, the flow path is substantially straight, at least for most of its extension within the valve assembly.

[0040] In this embodiment, the movable piston is at least partially hollow and includes a fluid transfer channel within the movable piston, the channel extending between at least one inlet through a gate portion and the end of a rod defining an outlet orifice. According to this embodiment, an elastic device is positioned around at least a portion of the piston rod.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the early plate portion includes a larger portion and a smaller portion. The larger portion is connected to the rod and has a cross-section substantially the same as that of the shell compartment. At least one inlet is provided on the smaller portion, which has a cross-section smaller than that of the shell compartment and, together with the inner wall of the shell compartment, defines a channel for allowing the fluid to pass toward the at least one inlet.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the inner surface of the inlet wall may have a shoulder corresponding to its outer periphery, which serves as an abutment for the piston head in the closed position, and the height of the shoulder substantially defines the height of the free space.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a machine for preparing coffee beverages, the machine comprising a brewing chamber connected upstream to a supply circuit for supplying hot water to the brewing chamber and downstream to a circuit for conveying the coffee beverage, wherein the machine includes at least one valve device according to the invention located upstream or downstream of the brewing chamber.

[0044] According to other embodiments, the machine includes a first valve device according to the invention and a second valve device according to the invention, the first valve device being located upstream of the brewing chamber and configured to define a minimum limit of the pressure of the supplied water, and the second valve device being located downstream of the brewing chamber and configured to function as a cream whipper valve and promote the generation of bubbles in the beverage. Attached Figure Description

[0045] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which are given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0046] - Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a valve device in the closed state according to some embodiments described herein;

[0047] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve device in the open state;

[0048] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exploded view of the valve assembly components;

[0049] - Figure 4It is a cross-sectional view of the valve device in the closed state according to the first variant;

[0050] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the valve device in the open state;

[0051] - Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the valve device in the closed state according to the second variant;

[0052] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the valve device in the open state;

[0053] - Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a machine for preparing coffee beverages according to an embodiment described herein.

[0054] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0055] We will now refer in detail, by way of non-limiting illustration, to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The wording and terminology used herein are also intended to provide non-limiting examples.

[0056] In the following description, the terms “up,” “down,” “right,” and “left” are used with reference to the positions of the elements shown in the various figures.

[0057] Some embodiments described herein relate to a valve device 10 that is capable of generating a defined pressure along a pipe in which fluid flows.

[0058] Device 10 can be used as a check valve to ensure that fluid along the pipe flows in only one direction.

[0059] As a non-limiting example, valve device 10 can be used in machine 40 for preparing coffee beverages, for example as a cream whipper valve located downstream of the brewing chamber to produce cream that is typically found in "espresso" type coffee beverages, or as a delivery valve located upstream of the brewing chamber to ensure that a predetermined pressure is reached.

[0060] The device 10 includes a valve body 11, which includes an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13 for fluid, which can be connected to a respective inlet pipe 12a and outlet pipe 13a.

[0061] The device 10 also includes a chamber 16 that, when the device 10 is in the open state, selectively connects the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 13.

[0062] The device 10 also includes a shell compartment 15.

[0063] The shell compartment 15 can be defined and delimited by the valve body 11.

[0064] The valve device 10 also includes a piston 14 movable within the compartment 15.

[0065] Specifically, piston 14 can cooperate with valve body 11 to define chamber 16 within compartment 15 together with valve body.

[0066] Chamber 16 is always in direct communication with inlet port 12. In other words, there is no interception or obstruction device configured to close inlet port 12.

[0067] Piston 14 is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the piston in the closed position prevents fluid from being transmitted through the outlet port 13, and the piston 14 in the open position allows fluid to be transmitted through the outlet port.

[0068] Specifically, piston 14 is movable along the central axis X that defines the sliding axis.

[0069] The device 10 also includes a resilient return device 17 associated with and configured to hold the piston 14 in the closed position until the pressure acting on the piston does not exceed a predetermined limit.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the valve body 11 includes at least one inlet wall 26 in which a through hole 38 is formed, the through hole defining or connecting to an inlet hole 12.

[0071] According to some embodiments, in the closed position of the valve device 10 and the maximum release position of the elastic device 17, a free space 30, which is defined to be substantially the same width as the shell compartment 15, is maintained between the head surface 22 of the piston 14 and the inlet wall 26 of the valve body 11.

[0072] The free space 30 faces directly toward the inlet hole 12 and can therefore be filled with fluid (especially liquid) from the inlet hole 12.

[0073] In this way, chamber 16 has a minimum volume Vmin in each case, in which liquid from inlet orifice 12 can accumulate and be distributed to contact the entire upper surface of piston 14.

[0074] For example, the minimum volume Vmin of chamber 16 may be greater than or equal to 10% of the maximum volume reached by chamber 16 when valve device 10 is in the fully open state. For example, depending on the application, the minimum volume Vmin may include between approximately 10% and approximately 60% of the maximum reachable volume, preferably between 15% and 40%.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the width of the free space 30 in a plane orthogonal to the central axis X of the piston 14 and the fluid inlet direction is equal to at least 80% of the width of the compartment 15, or even greater than at least 80% of the width of the compartment.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the inlet wall 26 may have at least one flat portion disposed substantially parallel to the head surface 22 of the piston 14, which is also preferably flat, and a free space 30 is defined therebetween. In this way, the free space 30 may have a substantially constant depth along its extension, and fluid may act on the two facing surfaces to move the piston 14 away from the outlet orifice 13.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the inlet orifice 12 or possibly the orifice 38 may have an area much smaller than that of the inlet wall 26, for example, between 1 / 10 and 1 / 12 of its cross-section, in order to maximize the usable area where the fluid can act.

[0078] The movement of piston 14 under the action of pressurized fluid determines not only the opening of outlet orifice 13, but also the expansion of the volume of chamber 16.

[0079] Specifically, the thrust of the pressurized fluid acting on the movable piston 14 directly connects the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 13.

[0080] In other words, there is no further deviation or tortuous path between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13, allowing the fluid to flow uniformly through the valve device 10, thereby minimizing the possible area for scale buildup.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the valve body 11 may be formed of two half-shells, namely, an upper half-shell 18 or shell, and a lower half-shell 19 or closing element, the upper half-shell or shell defining a compartment 15, in which a piston 14 or at least a portion of the piston 14 and an elastic device 17 are accommodated, the lower half-shell or closing element being configured to be coupled to the upper half-shell 18 and to close the compartment 15 at the bottom.

[0082] The upper shell 18 cooperates with the piston 14 to define the chamber 16, and the lower shell 19 may hold the elastic device 17 in the compartment 15 in a proper position outside the chamber 16 with a predetermined compression.

[0083] The upper shell 18 and lower shell 19, which are coupled to each other, define the travel of the movable piston 14.

[0084] The half-shells 18 and 19 may be provided with their own coupling elements 20 and 21, which are configured to cooperate with each other to achieve stable coupling.

[0085] The coupling elements 20 and 21 may include respective cavities 20 and protruding elements 21 disposed on the upper housing 18 and the lower housing 19, respectively, to be adapted to produce couplings of the same shape, such as snap-fit ​​couplings.

[0086] Depending on possible variations, coupling elements 20, 21 may include their respective threaded portions adapted for threaded connection with each other, or even bayonet coupling elements.

[0087] Figure 1-3 A first embodiment of the valve device 10 is shown by way of example, in which the holes 12 and 13 are oriented in different directions relative to each other. For example, the two holes 12, 13 may be arranged at an angle of 90° to each other, although it is not excluded that they may be at different angles.

[0088] According to some embodiments, both holes 12 and 13 can be formed on the upper shell 18, passing through their respective walls 26 and 25. In this case, the inlet pipe 12a and the outlet pipe 13a can be integrally formed with the upper shell 18.

[0089] The upper housing 18 may include an inlet wall 26 and a side wall 25 having a tubular shape, preferably cylindrical, with an inlet hole 12 formed on the inlet wall 26 and an outlet hole 13 or a hole 39 connected thereto formed on the side wall 25.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the inlet wall 26 includes a shoulder 23, on which the head surface 22 of the piston 14 can be positioned to rest when the valve device 10 is in the closed state.

[0091] Shoulder 23 is preferably formed on the outer portion of the inlet wall 26 corresponding to sidewall 25, and extends within shell compartment 15.

[0092] The shoulder 23 laterally defines the free space 30 and essentially limits its depth.

[0093] In the closed position, the head surface 22 of the piston 14 is positioned to contact the shoulder 23, thereby ensuring the formation of free space 30.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the inlet hole 12 may be formed in the central portion of the inlet wall 26.

[0095] The movable piston 14 may include a gate portion 27 configured to close the outlet orifice 13, which is located at one end of the head surface 22.

[0096] According to reference Figure 1-3 In the described embodiment, the movable piston 14 may also be provided with a rod 28 that extends from one end of the gate portion 27 on the opposite side of the head surface 22.

[0097] The gate portion 27 may have a shape that substantially corresponds to the internal cross-section of the shell compartment 15, which in this particular case is cylindrical, and the dimensions of the gate portion are related to the dimensions of the inner walls of the receiving chamber 15 so as to slide relative to them, thereby creating a seal.

[0098] According to some embodiments, a circumferentially formed groove 32 may be provided in the sidewall 31 of the gate portion 27, the groove 32 being adapted to receive an annular washer 33 to ensure a hydraulic seal of the chamber 16 between the piston 14 and the valve body 11 (i.e., the upper housing 18), thereby preventing possible fluid leakage.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the piston 14 or at least the gate portion 27 may be made of a deformable plastic material and is itself adapted to define a sealing coupling with the valve body 11.

[0100] The lower housing 19 may have a bottom wall 34 provided with at least one hole 35 for passage of the rod 28. The hole 35 may advantageously serve as a guide for the rod 28, helping to hold the piston 14 in the correct position within the compartment 15, aligned with the central axis X of the valve body 11.

[0101] In this way, the sidewall 31 of the gate portion 27, or at least the gasket 33, is always positioned to contact the inner surface of the compartment 15, essentially throughout its entire extension, thereby ensuring the sealed closure of the chamber 16 and / or the outlet 13 under every condition of use.

[0102] The elastic device 17 according to this embodiment may include, for example, a helical spring 29 disposed between the bottom wall 34 of the lower housing 19 and the lower surface 24 of the gate portion 27.

[0103] According to some embodiments, a cavity 37 may be provided in the lower surface 24 of the movable piston 14, and one end of the elastic device 17 may be accommodated in the cavity 37.

[0104] The lower shell 19 may include a sidewall 36, which in this particular case is substantially cylindrical and adapted to be at least partially inserted into the interior of the upper shell 18 during use.

[0105] The side wall 36 can be used as an end-of-travel element for the piston 14 when it is in the open position.

[0106] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The valve device 10 is shown in both the closed and open states.

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, in the closed state, the gate portion 27 overlaps the outlet orifice 13 and prevents fluid from passing through it.

[0108] fluid along Figure 1 The path indicated by the middle arrow enters through the inlet hole 12 and accumulates in the free space 30 until a certain pressure is reached.

[0109] As the fluid pressure gradually increases, it tends to exert force on the two walls 22, 26 until the applied force is sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic device 17, thus causing the gate portion 27 to move away from the outlet orifice 13 so that the valve device 10 enters the open state. Figure 2 ), and allow fluid to flow along Figure 2 The path indicated by the middle arrow passes through valve device 10.

[0110] In this way, fluid can be directly transported from inlet port 12 to outlet port 13.

[0111] When the fluid pressure is no longer sufficient to keep the elastic device 17 under compression, these will cause the gate portion 27 to return to the position overlapping with the outlet orifice 13, thereby closing the outlet orifice 13.

[0112] Thanks to its construction, valve device 10 is also suitable for use as a check valve. In fact, when fluid enters from inlet port 12 and accumulates in chamber 16, the pressure it exerts is distributed over a large area, that is, across the entire head surface 22 and on inlet wall 26, while if fluid enters from outlet port 13, the force exerted by it acts laterally on gate portion 27, however, gate portion 27 has no room to move in this direction. Therefore, in practice, any pressure from any possible fluid from outlet port 13 guarantees the closure of valve device 10.

[0113] The piston 14 may include a cavity 37 in its lower part, which is adapted to at least partially accommodate the elastic devices 17 and hold them in place.

[0114] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second embodiment of the valve device 210 is shown. The same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0115] Similarly, Figure 1-3In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet hole 212 and the outlet hole 213 are coaxial with each other, but they are oriented in different directions. Although in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, they are shown as being arranged substantially orthogonally to each other, but this does not preclude the holes 212, 213 from being positioned at different angles to accommodate the connection pipes of a particular application, such as being inclined at 45°, or having an L-shaped or curved shape, etc.

[0116] In this case, the valve body 11 may also include an upper shell 218 and a lower shell 219.

[0117] The upper housing 218 may include a tubular sidewall 225 and a substantially flat inlet wall 226, in which respective through holes 239 and 238 are formed.

[0118] Through holes 238 and 239 directly define inlet hole 212 and outlet hole 213, or are connected to inlet hole 212 and inlet hole 213 via respective pipes 212a and 213a.

[0119] The upper shell 218 essentially defines the shell compartment 15 for the movable piston 214 and the elastic device 17, and is closed at the bottom by the lower shell 219.

[0120] In the same case, the elastic device 17 is located outside the chamber 16 in the shell compartment 15, and the thrust of the fluid entering through the inlet port 212 on the moving piston 214 makes the inlet port 212 and the outlet port 213 directly connected.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the movable piston 214 has a radial dimension corresponding to the internal cross-section of the housing chamber 15, and is adapted to cooperate with it to ensure the sealed closure of the chamber 16.

[0122] The movable piston 214 includes a head surface 222 and a side wall 231. The head surface 222 defines a chamber 16 at the lower part. The side wall 231 serves as a gate portion in this case and directly engages with a through hole 239 formed in the side wall 225, which defines or connects to an outlet hole 213.

[0123] Also according to this embodiment, in the closed state of valve device 210 and in the maximum released position of elastic device 17, a free space 30 directly facing the inlet hole is maintained between the head surface 222 and the inlet wall 226. This free space 30 substantially has the same... Figure 1-3 The free space 30 of the embodiment has a similar shape and size.

[0124] In this example, the sidewall 231 may include two grooves 232, each groove 232 being adapted to receive a respective annular washer 233, which, in the closed state of the valve assembly 10, is disposed on the opposite side of the through hole 239 to act as a check valve to prevent any unwanted leakage of fluid from the outlet hole 213.

[0125] According to other variations not shown, sidewall 231 itself can serve as a head gasket and can be at least partially made of a deformable material to directly mate with sidewall 225. This solution has the advantage of ensuring a longer sealing time, because unlike annular gaskets, which may damage over time due to interference with the edge of outlet orifice 213, head gaskets do not have this problem.

[0126] Regardless of the fluid pressure, the valve assembly 210 is constructed to prevent fluid from entering the valve body 11 through the outlet port 213, thus acting as a highly effective check valve. The pressure of the fluid entering through the outlet port 213 will also tend to increase the seal of the annular gasket 233, the head gasket, or the sidewall 231.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the shell compartment 15 and / or inlet wall 226 includes a shoulder 223, which is configured to serve as an impact and abutment element for the piston 214 to ensure that the chamber 16, even in the closed state of the valve device 210, always has a minimum volume Vmin suitable for allowing a certain amount of flow to accumulate, which defines the free space 30.

[0128] The minimum volume Vmin can be substantially equal to or even less than the volume provided for valve device 10, because in this case there are also large surfaces 222, 226 on which the fluid at the inlet can act.

[0129] The piston 214 may include a cavity 237 in the lower part, which is adapted to at least partially accommodate the elastic devices 17 and hold them in place.

[0130] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The valve device 210 is shown in both the closed and open states.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown, in the closed state, the sidewall 231 is positioned to close the through hole 239, thereby closing the outlet hole 213 and preventing fluid from passing through it.

[0132] Along Figure 5 As indicated by the middle arrow, the fluid enters the chamber 16 directly through the inlet hole 212, and in particular, enters the free space 30 between the head surface 222 and the inlet wall 226.

[0133] As the fluid pressure gradually increases, it will tend to exert force on the two surfaces 222, 226 until the applied force is sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic device 17, thereby pushing the movable piston 214 at least partially away from the through hole 239 and putting the valve device 210 into the open state. Figure 5 This allows chamber 16 to connect with outlet port 213.

[0134] When the fluid pressure decreases and can no longer resist the force provided by the elastic devices 17, these elastic devices extend, bringing the movable piston 214 back to the closed position.

[0135] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third embodiment of the valve device 310 according to the present invention is shown. Elements identical to those in other embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the inlet port 312 and the outlet port 313 are coaxial with each other and are positioned on opposite sides of the valve body 311 relative to the sliding axis X of the movable piston 314. In this way, the flow path is substantially straight, at least for most of its extension within the valve device 310.

[0137] The upper shell 318 may include a through hole 338 formed on the inlet wall 326, preferably on its substantially flat portion, which directly defines the inlet hole 312, or is connected to the inlet hole 312 via a conduit 312a.

[0138] In this design, the movable piston 314 includes a gate portion 327 and a rod 328, the end face of which defines a head surface 322, and the rod 328 extending from the opposite side of the head surface 322.

[0139] The movable piston 314 is at least partially hollow and includes a fluid transfer channel 340 inside the movable piston 314, which extends between at least one inlet 341 through the gate portion 327 and an outlet formed at the end of the rod 328, the outlet defining an outlet orifice 313.

[0140] According to this embodiment, the elastic device 17 is positioned around at least one portion of the rod 328, with one end disposed in the cavity 327 and the other end in contact with the bottom wall 334 of the valve body 11, the cavity being formed in the lower surface 324 of the gate portion 327.

[0141] According to this embodiment, the gate portion 327 includes a larger portion 343 and a smaller portion 344. The larger portion 343 is connected to the rod 328 and has a cross-section substantially the same as that of the shell compartment 15. At least one inlet 341 is provided on the smaller portion 344, which has a smaller cross-section than the shell compartment 15 and, together with the inner wall of the shell compartment, defines a passage 345 for allowing fluid to pass from the free space 30 to the at least one inlet 341.

[0142] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the inner surface of the inlet wall 326 may have a shoulder 323 corresponding to its outer periphery, which serves as an abutment to the head surface 322 of the piston 314 in the closed position, thereby closing the passage 345 for fluid and defining the free space 30.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the smaller portion 344, or at least the portion defining the head surface 322, may be made of rubber to ensure that the valve device 310 is sealed in the closed state when the elastic device 17 pushes the surface head 322 against the shoulder 323.

[0144] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The valve device 310 is shown in both the closed and open states.

[0145] like Figure 6 As shown, in the closed state, the head surface 322 is positioned to abut against the shoulder 323 and close the channel 345, thereby preventing fluid from reaching the inlet 341 formed on the movable piston 314.

[0146] Along the central axis X, fluid enters the chamber 16 through the inlet orifice 312 in the same direction as the compression direction of the elastic device 17. It accumulates in the free space 30 until it reaches a certain pressure sufficient to compress the elastic device 17 and move the head of the piston 14 away from the inlet wall 326, so as to open the channel 345 to allow the fluid to pass through the inlet 341 of the transmission channel 340, through which the fluid reaches the outlet orifice 313.

[0147] Valve devices 10, 210, and 310 consist essentially of four parts, making manufacturing and assembly extremely simple. In fact, it is sufficient to insert the movable pistons 14, 214, and 314 into the compartment 15 in such a manner that a chamber 16 is defined between the upper shells 18, 218, and 318 and the head surfaces 22, 222, and 322 of the movable pistons 14, 214, and 314; an elastic device 17 is positioned in the opposite direction to the chamber 16 to contact the lower surfaces 24, 224, and 324 or to be positioned within the cavities 37, 237, and 337 of the movable pistons 14, 214, and 314; and the compartment 15 is at least partially closed at the bottom to counteract the elastic device 17.

[0148] According to some embodiments, the method provides to position an elastic device 17 in the shape of a helical spring 29 outside the rods 28, 328 of pistons 14, 314 and coaxial with the rods 28, 328 of pistons 14, 314. Figure 1-2 (and 6-7).

[0149] Reference here Figure 8 Some of the described embodiments relate to an automatic type of machine 40 for preparing coffee beverages.

[0150] The machine 40 includes a brewing unit 41 with a brewing chamber 42.

[0151] The machine 40 includes a water supply circuit 43 and a beverage outlet circuit 45. The water supply circuit is configured to supply water from a source 44 to a brewing chamber 42, and the beverage outlet circuit 45 discharges the beverage from the brewing chamber 42 and can be supplied to a delivery nozzle 46.

[0152] The water source can be water tank 44, or connected to a water pipe network.

[0153] A supply pump 47 and a heating device 48 may be provided along the water supply circuit 43, such as a boiler equipped with a heating element 49, which includes one or more resistors adapted to heat the water flow before it reaches the brewing chamber 42.

[0154] A detection device may also be provided along the water supply circuit 43, which is adapted to detect one or more parameters of the water flow in transit, such as a flow meter 50 and / or a temperature sensor 51, wherein the flow meter 50 is preferably located upstream of the supply pump 47 and the temperature sensor 51 is located downstream and / or upstream of the heating device 48.

[0155] According to some embodiments, the brewing chamber 42 includes a water inlet 52 connected to a water supply circuit 43 and a beverage outlet 53 connected to a beverage outlet circuit 45.

[0156] The water inlet 52 and the beverage outlet 53 can be made on opposite sides of the brewing chamber 42; even more preferably, one is on the fixed body 54 and the other is on the movable piston 55.

[0157] The present invention relates to a machine 40 that provides water from above and extracts beverages from below, and also to a machine that provides water and extracts beverages in the opposite manner.

[0158] According to some embodiments, the machine 40 includes a valve device 10A according to any embodiment 10, 210, 310 of the invention, which is located upstream of the brewing chamber 42 along the fluid path and functions as a delivery valve.

[0159] Specifically, the valve device 10A functions to keep the supply circuit 43 closed as long as the supplied water does not exceed a predetermined pressure value, and to allow water to be delivered to the brewing chamber 42 when the pressure value is exceeded.

[0160] This ensures that aromatic substances are extracted from coffee grounds only when the water reaches the required pressure.

[0161] The valve device 10A also functions as a check valve to prevent water supplied to the brewing chamber 42 from flowing back along the supply circuit 43.

[0162] According to some embodiments, the machine 40 includes a valve device 10B according to any embodiment 10, 210, 310 of the invention, which is located downstream of the brewing chamber 42 along the fluid path and functions as a butter whipper valve.

[0163] Specifically, the function of valve device 10B is to keep the beverage delivery circuit closed as long as the beverage does not exceed a predetermined pressure value, and to allow the beverage to be delivered toward delivery nozzle 46 when the pressure value is exceeded.

[0164] Machine 40 can be configured to prepare low-pressure coffee beverages, such as Americano, which is also defined as “drip” or “coffee,” as well as high-pressure coffee beverages, such as “espresso”.

[0165] According to these embodiments, the machine 40 may include a valve unit 56 connected to an outlet circuit 45 downstream of the brewing chamber 42 and configured to define a first high-pressure outlet path 57 for espresso and a second low-pressure outlet path 58 for drip coffee.

[0166] Valve unit 56 includes an inlet 61a and an outlet 61b, which are connected to an outlet circuit 45 and a beverage delivery pipe 62, respectively.

[0167] The delivery pipe 62 is connected to the delivery nozzle 46, through which the beverage can be delivered to the appropriate container 70.

[0168] Along the first branch 59, the valve unit 56 includes a valve device 10B adapted to provide the desired back pressure, and along the second branch 60, the valve unit 56 includes a bypass device 64 that can be selectively actuated to bypass the action of the valve device 10B, for example in the form of a solenoid valve.

[0169] The machine 40 may also include a control and command unit 71 configured to receive instructions regarding the beverage to be prepared, i.e., to prepare a "coffee" type coffee beverage under low pressure or to prepare an "espresso" type coffee beverage under high pressure, and accordingly drive the bypass device 64.

[0170] It can receive instructions about the beverage to be prepared as a result of the user's selection through a command interface not shown.

[0171] When a beverage is selected to be prepared under high pressure, the control and command unit 71 commands the bypass device 64 to close the second branch 60, forcing the coffee beverage to pass through the first branch 59.

[0172] On the other hand, if a beverage to be prepared under low pressure is selected, the control and command unit 71 commands the bypass device 64 to open the second branch 60 so as to allow the beverage to be conveyed toward the delivery nozzle 46, while the first branch 59 is closed by the valve device 10B.

[0173] According to some embodiments, the machine 10 may also include a discharge circuit 66 for residual water obtained from the discharged coffee powder, which is derived, for example, from a common delivery pipe 62 and is generally kept closed by a discharge solenoid valve 67 disposed thereal.

[0174] It is obvious that modifications and / or additions can be made to the valve devices 10, 210, 310 and the machine 40 for preparing coffee beverages as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0175] In the following claims, the references enclosed in parentheses are for the sole purpose of readability and should not be construed as limiting factors on the field of protection claimed in the particular claim.

Claims

1. Valve device (10; 210; 310), including: Valve body (11; 311) defining the shell compartment (15); Inlet orifice (12; 212; 312) and outlet orifice (13; 213; 313) for fluid; A chamber (16) that selectively connects the inlet port (12; 212; 312) and the outlet port (13; 213; 313); A piston (14; 214; 314) disposed in the shell compartment (15) is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the piston prevents fluid transfer in the closed position and allows fluid to pass through the outlet orifice (13; 213; 313) in the open position, and the piston includes a gate portion (27, 227, 327). A resilient return device (17), associated with the pistons (14; 214; 314) and disposed outside the chamber (16), The feature is that, in the closed position of the valve device (10; 210; 310) and the maximum release position of the elastic return device (17), a defined free space (30) is maintained between the head surface (22; 222; 322) of the piston (14; 214; 314) and the inlet wall (26; 226; 326) of the valve body (11; 311), the free space directly facing the inlet hole (12; 212; 312) and the shell compartment. (15) are substantially the same width, wherein the shell compartment (15) has a portion of a smaller diameter defined by a shoulder (23; 223; 323) corresponding to the periphery of the inlet wall (26; 226; 326), the shoulder being configured to serve as an impact and abutment element of the head surface (22; 222; 322) of the piston (14; 214; 314) in the closed position, wherein the shoulder (23; 223; 323) laterally defines the free space (30).

2. The valve device (10; 210; 310) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the closed position of the pistons (14; 214; 314), the minimum volume of the free space (30) is greater than or equal to 10% of the maximum volume corresponding to the fluid passage position.

3. The valve device (10; 210; 310) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet wall (26; 226; 326) includes at least one flat portion that is substantially parallel to the head surface (22; 222; 322), and the free space (30) has a substantially constant depth in a plane orthogonal to an axis that is coaxial with the inlet hole (12; 212; 312).

4. The valve device (10; 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet orifice (12; 212) and outlet orifice (13; 213) are arranged substantially orthogonally to each other, and the gate portion (27; 227) defines the chamber (16), which separates the chamber from the elastic return device (17), and is provided with a sidewall (31; 231) that serves as the gate portion of the outlet orifice (13; 213).

5. The valve device (310) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet hole (312) and the outlet hole (313) are coaxially arranged with respect to the central axis of the valve body (311), and the piston (314) includes the gate portion (327) having the head surface (322) at one end and a rod (328) extending to the other end, wherein the piston (314) is at least partially hollow and includes a fluid transmission channel (340) inside the piston, the transmission channel extending between at least one inlet (341) through the gate portion (327) and the end of the rod (328) defining the outlet hole (313).

6. The valve device (310) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gate portion (327) includes a larger portion (343) and a smaller portion (344), the larger portion being connected to the rod (328) having a cross-section substantially the same as that of the shell compartment (15), the at least one inlet (341) being disposed on the smaller portion having a cross-section smaller than that of the shell compartment (15), and together with the inner wall of the shell compartment defining a channel (345) for the fluid to pass toward the at least one inlet (341).

7. The valve device (10; 210; 310) according to any one of claims 4 or 6, characterized in that, At least one circumferential groove (32; 232; 332) is provided in the sidewall (31; 231; 331) of the gate portion (27; 227; 327), which is adapted to accommodate an annular washer (33; 323; 333) to ensure the hydraulic seal of the chamber (16) between the piston (14; 214; 314) and the valve body (11; 311).

8. The valve device (10; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The piston (14; 214; 314) has a cavity (37; 237; 337) on the opposite side of the chamber (16), which is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the elastic return device (17) and hold it in place.

9. The valve device (10; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (11) includes an upper half-shell (18; 218; 318) and a lower half-shell (19; 219; 319), the upper half-shell defining the upper portion of the shell compartment (15), and the lower half-shell being configured to couple to the upper half-shell (18; 218; 318) and close the shell compartment (15) at the lower portion.

10. A machine (40) for preparing coffee beverages, comprising: A brewing unit (41) equipped with a brewing chamber (42), which is connected to a water supply circuit (43) via a water inlet (52) and to an outlet circuit (45) for beverages via a beverage outlet (53), is characterized in that... The brewing unit includes at least one valve device (10; 210; 310) as described in claim 1, which is located upstream or downstream of the brewing chamber (42).

11. The machine (40) according to claim 10, comprising a first valve device (10; 210; 310) located upstream of the brewing chamber (42) and a second valve device (10, 210; 310) located downstream of the brewing chamber (42), the first valve device being configured to limit a minimum pressure of the supplied water, and the second valve device (10, 210; 310) being configured to function as a cream whipping valve and promote the generation of bubbles in the beverage.

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