A steam valve assembly and a coffee machine having the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a steam valve assembly, which includes a valve body, a valve needle and a check valve. A valve cavity is formed inside the valve body, and a first interface, a second interface and a pressure relief port are formed on the valve body, and the first interface, the second interface and the pressure relief port are respectively communicated with the valve cavity; one end of the valve needle extends into the valve cavity; a valve disc is arranged at one end of the valve needle, and the valve disc is located at the communication position between the second interface and the valve cavity; when the valve needle is rotated, the valve disc can be driven to rotate to realize the conduction or closing of the second interface and the valve cavity; the check valve is arranged in the pressure relief port and closes the communication position between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity; the check valve at least includes a valve rod, and a convex block that can cooperate with the valve rod is arranged on the valve needle. The steam valve assembly of the present invention can complete the switching of multiple pipelines in a limited space, the pipeline switching operation is simple, the cost is low, the universality is strong, and the installation space is greatly saved. In addition, the present invention also provides a coffee machine having the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of coffee machines, and in particular to a steam valve assembly and a coffee machine having the same. Background Art

[0002] Existing coffee machines are generally divided into single-boiler coffee machines and double-boiler coffee machines. The single-boiler coffee machine has only a single boiler inside, and the hot water for extraction and steam both come out of this boiler; while the double-boiler coffee machine has two boilers inside, one boiler is used to produce hot water, and the other boiler is used to generate steam, and the two do not interfere with each other. Therefore, in single-boiler coffee machines and double-boiler coffee machines, different structures of steam valves need to be equipped to achieve the export of steam, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost. In addition, in order to achieve pressure relief of the boiler, multiple electromagnetic pressure relief valves need to be configured in the coffee machine. The combination of components occupies a large amount of installation space, and at the same time, the switching operation is relatively cumbersome and the pipeline is complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a steam valve assembly and a coffee machine having the same. The steam valve assembly can complete the switching of multiple pipelines within a limited space, the switching operation is simple, the cost is low, the versatility is strong, and at the same time, no additional electromagnetic pressure relief valve needs to be provided, saving installation space.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its problems is as follows:

[0005] A steam valve assembly, comprising:

[0006] A valve body, which has a valve cavity opened inside; a first interface, a second interface and a pressure relief port are opened on the valve body, and the first interface, the second interface and the pressure relief port are respectively communicated with the valve cavity;

[0007] A valve needle, one end of which extends into the valve cavity; a valve piece is arranged at one end of the valve needle, and the valve piece is located at the communication place between the second interface and the valve cavity; when the valve needle is rotated, the valve piece can be driven to rotate to realize the conduction or closing of the second interface and the valve cavity;

[0008] A one-way valve, which is arranged in the pressure relief port and closes the communication place between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity; the one-way valve at least includes a valve rod, and a convex block that can cooperate with the valve rod is arranged on the valve needle;

[0009] Wherein, when the first interface is a steam inlet and the second interface is a steam outlet, a part of the valve rod extends into the valve cavity and cooperates with the valve needle. When the valve needle is rotated, the convex block can be driven to rotate and lift the valve rod to realize the conduction of the pressure relief port and the valve cavity;

[0010] When the second interface is the steam inlet and the first interface is the steam outlet, the valve stem does not cooperate with the valve needle, and when the valve needle is rotated, the convex block cannot drive the valve stem to move.

[0011] Further, when the first interface is the steam inlet and the second interface is the steam outlet, the valve stem is assembled in the forward direction and a part of it extends into the valve cavity and cooperates with the valve needle. When the valve needle is rotated, it can drive the convex block to rotate and lift the valve stem to realize the communication between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity;

[0012] When the second interface is the steam inlet and the first interface is the steam outlet, the valve stem is assembled in the reverse direction, and when the valve needle is rotated, the convex block cannot drive the valve stem to move.

[0013] Further, the valve stem includes a first valve stem and a second valve stem with different lengths, where:

[0014] When the first interface is the steam inlet and the second interface is the steam outlet, the first valve stem is assembled in the pressure relief port and a part of it extends into the valve cavity and cooperates with the valve needle. When the valve needle is rotated, it can drive the convex block to rotate and lift the first valve stem to realize the communication between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity;

[0015] When the second interface is the steam inlet and the first interface is the steam outlet, the second valve stem is assembled in the pressure relief port, and when the valve needle is rotated, the convex block cannot drive the second valve stem to move.

[0016] Further, the one-way valve further includes a spring sleeved on the valve stem and a sealing ring provided on the valve stem. Under the elastic force of the spring, the sealing ring can be driven to move to seal the communication between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity.

[0017] Further, when the first interface is the steam inlet and the second interface is the steam outlet, where:

[0018] When the valve needle is not rotated, the steam state is not opened at this time. The valve piece on the valve needle closes the communication between the second interface and the valve cavity, and the convex block on the valve needle lifts the valve stem. At this time, the first interface, the valve cavity, and the pressure relief port are sequentially conducted to form a pressure relief channel;

[0019] When the valve needle is rotated to a certain angle, it is in the steam opening state at this time. The valve needle drives the valve plate to rotate and conducts the second interface with the valve cavity. At the same time, the convex block disengages from the valve stem, and the spring drives the sealing ring to move and seals the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity. At this time, the first interface, the valve cavity, and the second interface are sequentially conducted to form a steam discharge channel.

[0020] Further, when the second interface is the steam inlet and the first interface is the steam outlet, where:

[0021] When the valve needle is not rotated, it is in the state of not starting steam at this time, and the valve plate on the valve needle closes the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity;

[0022] When the valve needle is rotated to a certain angle, it is in the steam opening state at this time. The valve needle drives the valve plate to rotate and conducts the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity. At this time, the second interface, the valve cavity, and the first interface are sequentially conducted to form a steam discharge channel.

[0023] Further, it also includes a blocking piece arranged at the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity. The blocking piece is provided with a first through hole; the valve plate is provided with a second through hole;

[0024] When the valve needle is rotated, it can drive the valve plate to rotate until the second through hole is connected to the first through hole, and then the conduction between the second interface and the valve cavity can be realized;

[0025] When the valve plate is driven to rotate until the first through hole is blocked, the closure between the second interface and the valve cavity can be realized.

[0026] Further, the valve plate and the valve needle are fixed through a clamping structure. The clamping structure includes a clamping block and a clamping hole that are clamped with each other. One of the clamping block and the clamping hole is arranged on the valve plate, and the other is arranged on the valve needle.

[0027] Further, it also includes a steam generating device, a microswitch, and a control board. The microswitch and the steam generating device are both electrically connected to the control board, where:

[0028] The other end of the valve needle is also sleeved with a dial block, and a dial piece is arranged on the dial block;

[0029] When the valve needle is driven to rotate, it can drive the dial block to rotate and make the dial piece trigger the microswitch. The microswitch sends a signal to the control board, and the control board controls the steam generating device to start.

[0030] In addition, the present invention further provides a coffee machine, including the above steam valve assembly.

[0031] In summary, for a steam valve assembly and a coffee machine having the same according to the present invention, by changing the steam inlet and outlet directions between the first interface and the second interface, changing the assembly direction of the valve stem or replacing the valve stem with different lengths, it can be applicable to the pipeline structures of various coffee machines, with strong versatility; in addition, by providing a check valve at the pressure relief port, a cumbersome combination of multiple pressure relief solenoid valves can be replaced, saving installation space and reducing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the steam valve assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam valve assembly of the present invention (with the valve stem assembled forward);

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam valve assembly of the present invention (with the valve stem assembled backward);

[0035] Figure 4 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the steam valve assembly of the present invention.

[0036] Among them, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:

[0037] 1, valve body; 11, first interface; 12, second interface; 13, pressure relief port; 2, valve needle; 21, convex block; 22, clamping block; 3, check valve; 31, valve stem; 32, spring; 33, sealing ring; 4, valve plate; 41, second through hole; 42, clamping hole; 5, blocking piece; 51, first through hole; 6, valve cover; 7, dial block; 71, dial piece; 81, first connecting pipe; 82, second connecting pipe; 83, pressure relief pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] For better understanding and implementation, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs. The terms used in the description of this invention herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1-4 , the present invention discloses a steam valve assembly, including a valve body 1 and a valve cover 6 covering the valve body 1. A valve cavity is provided inside the valve body 1, and a first interface 11, a second interface 12, and a pressure relief port 13 are provided on the valve body 1 and are respectively communicated with the valve cavity. In addition, a valve needle 2 is further included. One end of the valve needle 2 passes through the valve cover 6 and extends into the valve cavity. A valve disc 4 is provided at one end of the valve needle 2, and the valve disc 4 is located at the connection between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity. When the valve needle 2 is rotated to drive the valve disc 4 to rotate, the communication or blockage between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity can be realized.

[0042] Specifically, the steam valve assembly further includes a blocking piece 5 provided at the connection between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity. Two first through holes 51 are provided on the blocking piece 5 at intervals, and two second through holes 41 corresponding to the two first through holes 51 are provided on the valve disc 4. When the valve needle 2 is rotated, the valve disc 4 can be driven to rotate until the two second through holes 41 are connected to the two first through holes 51, and then the communication between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity can be realized. When the valve disc 4 is driven to rotate until the two first through holes 51 are blocked, the blockage between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity can be realized.

[0043] In this embodiment, the valve disc 4 and the valve needle 2 are fixed through a clamping structure. The clamping structure includes a clamping block 22 and a clamping hole 42 that are clamped with each other. The clamping block 22 is provided on the valve needle 2, and the clamping hole 42 is provided on the valve disc 4. Of course, in other embodiments, the positions of the clamping block 22 and the clamping hole 42 can also be interchanged, that is, the clamping block 22 is provided on the valve disc 4 and the clamping hole 42 is provided on the valve needle 2, and the same technical effect can also be achieved, which is not limited here.

[0044] In addition, the steam valve assembly further includes a check valve 3 provided in the pressure relief port 13. The check valve 3 includes a valve stem 31, a spring 32 sleeved on the valve stem 31, and a sealing ring 33 sleeved on the valve stem 31. Under the elastic force of the spring 32, the sealing ring 33 can be driven to move to seal the connection between the pressure relief port 13 and the valve cavity. Among them, the valve stem 31 can be assembled forward or backward. When the valve stem 31 is assembled forward, the bottom of the valve stem 31 extends into the valve cavity, as Figure 2 shown; when the valve stem 31 is assembled backward, the valve stem 31 does not extend into the valve cavity, as Figure 3 shown.

[0045] In this embodiment, a pressure relief pipe 83 is also inserted into the pressure relief port 13. One end of the spring 32 abuts against the bottom of the pressure relief pipe 83, and the other end of the spring 32 abuts against the annular flange of the valve stem 31. When the valve stem 31 is assembled in the reverse direction, the top of the valve stem 31 extends into the pressure relief pipe 83, and there is a gap between the valve stem 31 and the pressure relief pipe 83. In addition, a first connecting pipe 81 is also inserted into the first interface 11, and a second connecting pipe 82 is also inserted into the second interface 12.

[0046] In this embodiment, a convex block 21 that can cooperate with the valve stem 31 is further provided on the valve needle 2; when the valve stem 31 is assembled in the forward direction, the bottom of the valve stem 31 extends into the interior of the valve cavity; when the valve needle 2 is rotated, the convex block 21 can be driven to abut against the bottom of the valve stem 31 and push up the valve stem 31, thereby driving the sealing ring 33 to move upward to open the connection between the pressure relief port 13 and the valve cavity.

[0047] In addition, the steam valve assembly further includes a steam generating device (not shown in the figure), a microswitch (not shown in the figure), and a control board (not shown in the figure). The microswitch and the steam generating device are both electrically connected to the control board; in addition, a dial 7 located outside the valve cover 6 is sleeved on the other end of the valve needle 2, and a dial piece 71 is provided on the dial 7. When the valve needle 2 is driven to rotate, the dial 7 can be driven to rotate and the dial piece 71 can trigger the microswitch. The microswitch sends a signal to the control board, and the control board controls the steam generating device to start; when the valve needle 2 is rotated in the reverse direction to reset it, the dial piece 71 is separated from the microswitch, and the control board controls the steam generating device to close.

[0048] Thus, the steam valve assembly of the present invention can be applied to a double-boiler coffee machine (low-pressure circuit) or a single-boiler coffee machine (high-pressure circuit), where:

[0049] When it is applied to a double-boiler coffee machine, it is a steam system with an independent pipeline. The first interface 11 of the valve body 1 is the steam inlet, and the second interface 12 is the steam outlet. The valve stem 31 in the check valve 3 is assembled in the forward direction, as Figure 2As shown in the figure. When the valve needle 2 is not rotated, the steam is in the unopened state. The valve plate 4 on the valve needle 2 closes the connection between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity, and the bump 21 on the valve needle 2 lifts the valve rod 31. At this time, the first interface 11, the valve cavity, and the pressure relief port 13 are sequentially conducted to form a pressure relief channel. At this time, the pressure in the steam boiler pipeline can be emptied through the pressure relief channel, thus ensuring that the pressure in the steam boiler is the atmospheric pressure and avoiding situations such as pipeline bursting caused by excessive pressure in the steam boiler due to abnormal operation. When the valve needle 2 is rotated, the bump 21 can be driven to disengage from the valve rod 31. At this time, the valve rod 31 moves downward under the elastic force of the spring 32, and drives the sealing ring 33 to move downward to block the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity. When the valve needle 2 is rotated to a certain angle, the steam is in the opened state. At the same time, the valve needle 2 drives the valve plate 4 to rotate and conducts the connection between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity. At this time, the first interface 11, the valve cavity, and the second interface 12 are sequentially conducted to form a steam discharge channel, and the steam can be smoothly ejected through the second interface 12. At this time, if there is abnormal pressure in the pipeline, or the second interface 12 is blocked, when the steam pressure exceeds the threshold value of the check valve 3, the check valve 3 will automatically open to relieve pressure, thus avoiding situations such as pipeline bursting caused by excessive pressure in the steam boiler due to abnormal operation.

[0050] When it is applied to a single-boiler coffee machine, it is a pipeline system shared by coffee and steam. The first interface 11 of the valve body 1 is the steam outlet, and the second interface 12 is the steam inlet. The valve rod 31 in the check valve 3 is reversely assembled, as Figure 3 shown in the figure. When the valve needle 2 is not rotated, the steam is in the unopened state. The valve plate 4 on the valve needle 2 closes the connection between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity. The high pressure during coffee extraction is reflected at the second interface 12, but the pressure cannot push open the valve plate 4, enabling the normal coffee extraction function of the appliance. When the valve needle 2 is rotated to a certain angle, the steam is in the opened state. The valve needle 2 drives the valve plate 4 to rotate and conducts the connection between the second interface 12 and the valve cavity. At this time, the second interface 12, the valve cavity, and the first interface 11 are sequentially conducted to form a steam discharge channel, and the steam can be smoothly ejected through the first interface 11. At the same time, the check valve 3 in the pressure relief port 13 blocks the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity; if there is abnormal pressure in the pipeline at this time, or the first interface 11 is blocked, the steam pressure continues to rise and exceeds the threshold value of the check valve 3, and the check valve will automatically open to relieve pressure, thus avoiding situations such as pipeline bursting caused by excessive pressure in the steam boiler due to abnormal operation.

[0051] Therefore, by changing the steam inlet and outlet directions of the first interface 11 and the second interface 12 and changing the assembly direction of the valve rod 31, it can be applicable to the pipeline structures of single-boiler coffee machines or double-boiler coffee machines, with strong versatility; in addition, by setting the check valve 3 at the pressure relief port 13, it can replace the bulky combination of multiple pressure relief solenoid valves, saving installation space and reducing costs.

[0052] Of course, in other embodiments, the first valve stem and the second valve stem with different lengths may also be provided (the length of the first valve stem is longer than that of the second valve stem). When the first interface 11 is a steam inlet and the second interface 12 is a steam outlet (i.e., when applied to a double-boiler coffee machine), the first valve stem is assembled in the pressure relief port 13 and a part of it extends into the valve cavity and cooperates with the valve needle 2. When the valve needle 2 is rotated, the convex block 21 can be driven to rotate and the first valve stem can be lifted to realize the communication between the pressure relief port 13 and the valve cavity. When the second interface 12 is a steam inlet and the first interface 11 is a steam outlet (i.e., when applied to a single-boiler coffee machine), the second valve stem is assembled in the pressure relief port 13. When the valve needle 2 is rotated, its convex block 21 cannot drive the second valve stem to move, and it can also achieve the effect of the forward and reverse assembly of the valve stem 31 as described above, and there is no limitation here.

[0053] In addition, the present invention also provides a coffee machine including the above steam valve assembly.

[0054] In summary, for a steam valve assembly of the present invention and a coffee machine having the same, by changing the steam inlet and outlet directions of the first interface 11 and the second interface 12 and changing the assembly direction of the valve stem 31 or replacing the valve stem 31 with different lengths, it can be applicable to the pipeline structures of various coffee machines, and has strong versatility; in addition, by providing a one-way valve 3 at the pressure relief port 13, a bulky combination of multiple pressure relief solenoid valves can be replaced, saving installation space and reducing costs.

[0055] The technical means disclosed in the solution of the present invention are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art in the technical field, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam valve assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A valve body with a valve cavity formed inside; a first interface, a second interface, and a pressure relief port are provided on the valve body and are respectively communicated with the valve cavity; A valve needle with one end extending into the valve cavity; a valve disc is provided at one end of the valve needle, and the valve disc is located at the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity; when the valve needle is rotated, the valve disc can be driven to rotate to achieve the conduction or closure between the second interface and the valve cavity; A check valve is arranged in the pressure relief port to seal the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity; the check valve at least includes a valve stem, and a convex block that can cooperate with the valve stem is provided on the valve needle; Wherein, when the steam valve assembly is applied to a double-boiler coffee machine, the first interface is the steam inlet, and the second interface is the steam outlet; when the valve needle is not rotated, it is in the state of not opening the steam, the valve disc on the valve needle seals the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity, and the convex block on the valve needle pushes up the valve stem, at this time the first interface, the valve cavity, and the pressure relief port are sequentially conducted to form a pressure relief channel; when the valve needle is rotated to a certain angle, it is in the steam opening state, the valve needle drives the valve disc to rotate and conducts the second interface and the valve cavity, at the same time the convex block is separated from the valve stem, and the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity is sealed, at this time the first interface, the valve cavity, and the second interface are sequentially conducted to form a steam discharge channel; When the steam valve assembly is applied to a single-boiler coffee machine, the second interface is the steam inlet, and the first interface is the steam outlet; the valve stem does not cooperate with the valve needle, and when the valve needle is rotated, the convex block cannot drive the valve stem to move; when the valve needle is not rotated, it is in the state of not starting the steam, and the valve disc on the valve needle seals the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity; when the valve needle is rotated to a certain angle, it is in the steam opening state, the valve needle drives the valve disc to rotate and conducts the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity, at this time the second interface, the valve cavity, and the first interface are sequentially conducted to form a steam discharge channel.

2. The steam valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first interface is the steam inlet and the second interface is the steam outlet, the valve stem is assembled in the forward direction and a part of it extends into the valve cavity and cooperates with the valve needle. When the valve needle is rotated, the convex block can be driven to rotate and push up the valve stem to achieve the conduction between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity; When the second interface is the steam inlet and the first interface is the steam outlet, the valve stem is assembled in the reverse direction, and when the valve needle is rotated, the convex block cannot drive the valve stem to move.

3. The steam valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve stem includes a first valve stem and a second valve stem with different lengths, wherein: When the first interface is the steam inlet and the second interface is the steam outlet, the first valve stem is assembled in the pressure relief port and a part of it extends into the valve cavity and cooperates with the valve needle. When the valve needle is rotated, the convex block can be driven to rotate and push up the first valve stem to achieve the conduction between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity; When the second interface is the steam inlet and the first interface is the steam outlet, the second valve stem is assembled in the pressure relief port. When the valve needle is rotated, the bump cannot drive the second valve stem to move.

4. The steam valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The one-way valve further includes a spring sleeved on the valve stem and a sealing ring arranged on the valve stem. Under the elastic force of the spring, the sealing ring can be driven to move to seal the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity.

5. The steam valve assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first interface is the steam inlet and the second interface is the steam outlet, after the valve needle is rotated to a certain angle, at this time, it is in the steam open state, and the spring drives the sealing ring to move to seal the connection between the pressure relief port and the valve cavity.

6. The steam valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that It further includes a blocking piece arranged at the connection between the second interface and the valve cavity. A first through hole is formed in the blocking piece; a second through hole is formed in the valve piece. When the valve needle is rotated, the valve piece can be driven to rotate until the second through hole is connected to the first through hole, and the conduction between the second interface and the valve cavity can be realized. When the valve piece is driven to rotate until the first through hole is blocked, the closure between the second interface and the valve cavity can be realized.

7. The steam valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The valve piece and the valve needle are fixed through a clamping structure. The clamping structure includes a clamping block and a clamping hole that are clamped with each other. One of the clamping block and the clamping hole is arranged on the valve piece, and the other is arranged on the valve needle.

8. The steam valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a steam generating device, a microswitch, and a control board. The microswitch and the steam generating device are both electrically connected to the control board, where: The other end of the valve needle is further sleeved with a dial block, and a dial piece is arranged on the dial block. When the valve needle is driven to rotate, the dial block can be driven to rotate and the dial piece can trigger the microswitch. The microswitch sends a signal to the control board, and the control board controls the steam generating device to start.

9. A coffee machine, characterized in that, It includes the steam valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.

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