Control valve for milk foam generating device, milk foam generating device and milk tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a control valve for a milk foam generating device, the milk foam generating device and a milk tank, the control valve comprises a valve body and a valve core, the valve body is provided with a water inlet interface, an air inlet interface, a steam inlet interface, a milk inlet interface and a milk outlet interface; a Venturi channel with a steam inlet and a milk outlet and a fluid channel with an air inlet and a milk inlet are formed in the valve element, and when the valve element is in the first position state, the steam inlet, the milk outlet, the air inlet and the milk inlet are communicated with the corresponding connectors respectively; when the valve element is in the second position state, the steam inlet, the milk outlet, the milk inlet and the air inlet are staggered from the corresponding connectors respectively, the air inlet is communicated with the steam inlet connector, water can be introduced into the steam inlet connector, and the water inlet connector is in fluid communication with the milk inlet connector. Switching between a milk foam generating mode and a cleaning mode is achieved through movement of the valve element, automatic cleaning of a milk foam generating pipeline and a milk tank can be achieved at the same time, and water obtained after cleaning can be automatically discharged under the Venturi injection effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of coffee machines, and in particular to a control valve for a milk froth generating device, the milk froth generating device and a milk tank. Background Art

[0002] The milk tank of a coffee machine is used to store milk and add milk or milk foam to coffee drinks. For example, there is the Chinese utility model patent No. ZL202421093864.8 (grant publication No. CN222237432U), "An external milk frothing device for a fully automatic coffee machine," and the Chinese invention patent No. CN202410284104.3 (publication No. CN118121069A), "A coffee machine milk tank connection structure and coffee machine."

[0003] After a coffee drink is made, the milk tank needs to be cleaned to prevent milk from remaining in the milk path inside the tank, which could affect the next coffee drink and pose a health hazard. Currently, manual cleaning is commonly used. Specifically, after one or more milk frothings are made, the piping components (including the milk outlet pipe, etc.) are disassembled and rinsed under running water. Since milk will quickly become adhered to or form milk scale, the user must immediately disassemble and clean the tank after each frothing. Failure to do so can complicate subsequent cleaning. This manual cleaning method is not only cumbersome but also difficult to ensure, impacting the quality of the frothed milk drink. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control valve for a milk frothing device that can achieve self-cleaning of a milk tank and a milk circuit without disassembly, in view of the existing technology.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control valve for a milk frothing device that can realize self-cleaning of a milk tank and a milk line and is easy to clean, in view of the existing technology.

[0006] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a milk foam generating device with the above-mentioned control valve in view of the existing technology.

[0007] The fourth technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a milk jug with the above-mentioned milk foam generating device in view of the existing technology.

[0008] The present invention solves at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems by adopting a technical solution: a control valve for a milk frothing device, comprising a valve body and a valve core, the valve core being disposed in a valve cavity of the valve body, characterized in that the valve body is respectively provided with a water inlet interface, an air inlet interface, a steam inlet interface, a milk inlet interface for communicating with the tank body of a milk tank, and a milk outlet interface, and the valve core is respectively provided with a Venturi channel and a fluid channel, wherein both ends of the Venturi channel are respectively opened on the surface of the valve core to form a steam inlet corresponding to the steam inlet interface and a milk outlet corresponding to the milk outlet interface, one end of the fluid channel is closed and the other end is connected to the throat of the Venturi channel, and the fluid channel is respectively provided with an air inlet corresponding to the air inlet interface and a milk inlet corresponding to the milk inlet interface, which are opened on the surface of the valve core.

[0009] In addition, the valve core can move back and forth between a first position and a second position of the valve cavity. When the valve core is in the first position, the steam inlet, the milk outlet, the air inlet and the milk inlet are respectively connected to the corresponding interfaces; when the valve core is in the second position, the steam inlet, the milk outlet, the milk inlet and the air inlet are respectively staggered with the corresponding interfaces, wherein the steam inlet, the milk outlet and the milk inlet are all closed, and the air inlet is connected to the steam inlet interface. When the steam inlet interface is connected to the air inlet, water can be introduced into the steam inlet interface, and at the same time, the water inlet interface is fluidically connected to the milk inlet interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the fluid passage is provided with a fluid port opening onto the surface of the valve core. When the valve core is in the first position, the fluid port is closed. When the valve core is in the second position, the fluid port is open and communicates with the milk inlet port. Thus, in cleaning mode (with the valve core in the second position), water entering from the steam inlet port flows through the Venturi channel and the fluid channel before entering the milk tank. This facilitates the temporary collection of water for cleaning the Venturi channel and the fluid channel, as the milk tank has a relatively large capacity. Furthermore, the dual water inlet system improves cleaning efficiency.

[0011] Furthermore, when the valve core is in the second position, hot water flows into the steam inlet, while cold water flows into the water inlet. The introduction of hot water improves the cleaning effect of the Venturi channel and fluid passages. The hot water flows into the milk tank and mixes with the cold water there, ensuring a thorough cleaning of the tank. Furthermore, this dual hot and cold water inlet method prevents safety hazards caused by overheating of the control valve and milk tank during cleaning mode. Furthermore, compared to the method of introducing hot water into the water inlet, introducing hot water into the air inlet only requires adjusting the heating temperature of the heater in the original steam supply line, eliminating the need for a separate hot water supply line.

[0012] Furthermore, the device further includes a return spring. When the valve core is in the first position, the return spring is in its initial state. When the valve core is in the first position and water is flowing into the water inlet, the valve core moves toward the second position under the action of water pressure. The return spring is compressed, causing the valve core to tend to move toward the first position. This eliminates the need for a separate drive device, as the water pressure flowing from the water inlet directly drives the valve core to move. Furthermore, when the valve core is in the second position, the return spring can return to the first position under the action of the elastic force of the return spring, achieving automatic return of the valve core.

[0013] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with a water inlet channel, the water outlet port of which is in communication with the milk inlet port. When the valve core is in the first position, the water inlet port and the water inlet port of the water inlet channel are not in communication. After water enters the water inlet port and the water pressure drives the valve core to the second position, the water inlet port and the water inlet port of the water inlet channel are in fluid communication. By providing the water inlet channel, the water inlet port and the milk inlet port are in fluid communication. Furthermore, when the valve core is in the first position, the water inlet port and the water inlet port of the water inlet channel are not in communication. This allows the water pressure of the water entering the water inlet port to sufficiently drive the valve core to move toward the second position.

[0014] Furthermore, the water inlet channel is provided in the valve wall of the valve body, with its water inlet port opening on the inner surface of the valve body and its water outlet port opening on the side wall of the milk inlet port. This simplifies the internal structure of the valve body and facilitates controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet port and the milk inlet channel by movement of the valve core.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve body is cylindrical in shape, with a hollow interior forming the valve cavity. The water inlet port is provided at a first end of the valve body, while the air inlet port, steam inlet port, milk inlet port, and milk outlet port are respectively provided on the sidewall of the valve body. The valve core matches the valve cavity and can move back and forth along the length of the valve cavity. The first end of the valve core is opposite the water inlet port and is spaced apart in the valve cavity along the cross-sectional direction of the valve body. When the valve core is closest to the inner end surface of the first end of the valve body, the valve core is in the first position, and when the valve core is closest to the inner end surface of the second end of the valve body, the valve core is in the second position. This allows the valve core to better move toward the second position under the pressure of water flow from the water inlet port, and as the valve core moves, the steam inlet port, milk outlet port, air inlet port, and milk inlet port on the valve core are staggered with the corresponding ports.

[0016] Furthermore, when the valve core is in the first position, a gap is provided along the length between the first end of the valve core and the inner end surface of the first end of the valve body, thereby forming a water inlet cavity. By forming the water inlet cavity, a certain amount of water accumulates in the water inlet cavity during the initial stage of water inflow through the water inlet interface, ensuring sufficient water pressure to push the valve core, thereby ensuring the reliability of the control valve performance.

[0017] Furthermore, a first sealing ring is sleeved on the first end of the valve core and is permanently circumferentially sandwiched between the outer circumferential surface of the first end of the valve core and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body. This prevents water from leaking from one side of the valve core to the other, preventing water from remaining in the valve body and affecting milk froth quality while also avoiding safety hazards (residual water can lead to bacterial growth). Furthermore, it helps the water in the water inlet valve chamber generate sufficient pressure to drive the valve core. Furthermore, the guiding cooperation between the first sealing ring and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body facilitates smooth movement of the valve core toward the second position.

[0018] The technical solution adopted to further solve the third technical problem mentioned above is: a milk frothing device, characterized by comprising the control valve for the milk frothing device as described above.

[0019] The technical solution adopted to further solve the fourth technical problem mentioned above is: a milk can, characterized by comprising the milk foam generating device as described above.

[0020] Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The Venturi channel and the fluid channel are both located within the valve core, and the valve core can move back and forth between a first position and a second position. When the valve core is in the first position, the steam inlet is connected to the steam inlet interface, the milk outlet is connected to the milk outlet interface, the air inlet is connected to the air inlet interface, and the milk inlet is connected to the milk inlet interface. Steam entering the steam inlet interface enters the Venturi channel through the steam inlet, creating a Venturi ejection effect. Under this Venturi ejection effect, air enters the fluid channel through the air inlet interface, and milk enters the fluid channel through the milk inlet interface and the milk inlet. The air and milk are fully mixed to form milk foam, which then flows out of the milk outlet. When the valve core is in the second position, the steam inlet, milk outlet, and milk inlet are all closed. The air inlet is connected to the steam inlet interface. Water enters the fluid channel from the air inlet through the steam inlet interface. Since the Venturi channel and all other openings in the fluid channel except the air inlet are closed, the incoming water can fully clean both. At the same time, the water inlet interface is fluidically connected to the milk inlet interface. In this way, water entering through the water inlet interface flows into the milk tank connected to the milk inlet interface, cleaning the interior of the milk tank. After the fluid channel, Venturi channel, and milk tank in the valve core are cleaned, the valve core moves from the second position to the first position. The steam inlet, milk outlet, air inlet, and milk inlet are connected to the corresponding interfaces respectively. Steam is passed into the steam inlet interface, and the cleaned water is discharged through the milk outlet using the Venturi ejection effect.

[0021] It can be seen that the control valve of the present invention can switch between the milk frothing mode (the valve core is in the first position) and the cleaning mode (the valve core is in the second position) through the movement of the valve core, and can simultaneously realize the automatic cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline (the Venturi channel and the fluid channel) and the milk tank, and the water after cleaning can be automatically discharged under the action of the Venturi induced effect, so the cleaning operation is convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a milk tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a milk tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a control valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure in another direction (the valve core is in the first position);

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure in yet another direction (the valve core is in the first position);

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Cross-sectional view along AA direction;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along direction BB;

[0029] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the structure of the control valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure in another direction;

[0031] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the control valve in an embodiment of the present invention when the valve core is located in the second position;

[0032] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view in another direction of the control valve when the valve core is located in the second position according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be set in different directions, these terms indicating directions are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "up" and "down" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. In addition, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a milk tank comprises a tank body 1 and a milk foam generating device 2 arranged on the top of the tank body 1, wherein the milk foam generating device 2 comprises a control valve. Figures 3 to 11 As shown, the control valve includes a valve body 3 and a valve core 4. The valve core 4 is disposed in a valve cavity 31 of the valve body 3. The valve body 3 is provided with a water inlet port 32, an air inlet port 33, a steam inlet port 34, a milk inlet port 36, and a milk outlet port 35. The milk frothing device 2 includes a water inlet connector 21, an air inlet connector 22, and a steam inlet connector 23. The water inlet connector 32 is used to communicate with the water inlet connector 21, the air inlet connector 33 is used to communicate with the air inlet connector 22, the steam inlet connector 34 is used to communicate with the steam inlet connector 23, the milk inlet port 36 is used to communicate with the milk outlet port (not shown) of the tank body 1, and the milk outlet port 35 is used to connect to the milk outlet pipe 8.

[0036] Further, if Figure 6 As shown, the valve core 4 is provided with a Venturi channel 41 and a fluid channel 42. The two ends of the Venturi channel 41 open on the surface of the valve core 4, forming a steam inlet 44 corresponding to the steam inlet port 34 and a milk outlet 46 corresponding to the milk outlet port 35. One end of the fluid channel 42 is closed, while the other end is connected to the throat of the Venturi channel 41. The fluid channel 42 is provided with an air inlet 43, which opens on the surface of the valve core 4 and corresponds to the air inlet port 33, and a milk outlet 45, which corresponds to the milk outlet port 36. In this embodiment, the fluid channel 42 preferably extends in a straight line perpendicular to the extension direction of the Venturi channel 41.

[0037] Furthermore, the valve core 4 can move back and forth between the first position and the second position of the valve cavity 31. When the valve core 4 is in the first position, the steam inlet 44, the milk outlet 46, the air inlet 43 and the milk inlet 45 are respectively connected to the corresponding interfaces; when the valve core 4 is in the second position, the steam inlet 44, the milk outlet 46, the milk inlet 45 and the air inlet 43 are respectively staggered with the corresponding interfaces, wherein the steam inlet 44, the milk outlet 46 and the milk inlet 45 are all closed (by abutting against the corresponding parts of the inner circumference of the valve body 3), and the air inlet 43 is connected to the steam inlet interface 34. When the steam inlet interface 34 is connected to the air inlet 43, water is introduced into the steam inlet interface 34, and at the same time, the water inlet interface 32 is fluidically connected to the milk inlet interface 36.

[0038] As can be seen from the above, in the present invention, both the Venturi channel 41 and the fluid channel 42 are disposed within the valve core 4, and the valve core 4 is capable of moving back and forth between a first position and a second position. When the valve core 4 is in the first position, the steam inlet 44 is connected to the steam inlet interface 34, the milk outlet 46 is connected to the milk outlet interface 35, the air inlet 43 is connected to the air inlet interface 33, and the milk inlet 45 is connected to the milk inlet interface 36. Steam entering the steam inlet interface 34 enters the Venturi channel 41 through the steam inlet 44, creating a Venturi ejection effect. Under this Venturi ejection effect, air enters the fluid channel 42 through the air inlet 43 via the air inlet interface 33, and milk enters the fluid channel 42 through the milk inlet interface 36 via the milk inlet 45. The air and milk are fully mixed to form milk foam, which then flows out of the milk outlet 46. When the valve core 4 is in the second position, the steam inlet 44, milk outlet 46, and milk inlet 45 are all closed. The air inlet 43 is connected to the steam inlet interface 34. Water enters the fluid channel 42 through the air inlet 43 via the steam inlet interface 34. Since all openings of the Venturi channel 41 and fluid channel 42, except for the air inlet 43, are closed, the incoming water can fully clean both. At the same time, the water inlet interface 32 is fluidically connected to the milk inlet interface 36. Thus, the water entering through the water inlet interface 32 flows into the milk tank connected to the milk inlet interface 36, cleaning the interior of the milk tank. After the fluid channel 42, Venturi channel 41, and milk tank in the valve core 4 are cleaned, the valve core 4 moves from the second position to the first position. The steam inlet 44, milk outlet 46, air inlet 43, and milk inlet 45 are connected to their corresponding interfaces. Steam is passed into the steam inlet interface 34, and the cleaned water is discharged through the milk outlet 46 using the Venturi ejection effect.

[0039] It can be seen that the control valve of the present invention can switch between the milk frothing mode (the valve core 4 is in the first position) and the cleaning mode (the valve core 4 is in the second position) through the movement of the valve core 4, and can simultaneously realize the automatic cleaning of the milk frothing pipeline (the Venturi channel 41 and the fluid channel 42) and the milk tank, and the water after cleaning can be automatically discharged under the action of the Venturi induced effect, so the cleaning operation is convenient.

[0040] Furthermore, the fluid channel 42 is provided with a fluid port 47 opened on the surface of the valve core 4. When the valve core 4 is in the first position, the fluid port 47 is closed (eg, Figure 7 As shown, it is closed by abutting against the inner wall of the valve body 3), and when the valve core 4 is in the second position, the fluid port 47 is opened and communicated with the milk inlet port 36 (as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in the figure, in this cleaning mode (valve core 4 is in the second position), water entering through steam inlet port 34 flows through Venturi channel 41 and fluid channel 42 before flowing into the milk tank. On the one hand, the milk tank has a relatively large volume, so it can be used to temporarily collect water for cleaning Venturi channel 41 and fluid channel 42. On the other hand, the dual water inlet system can speed up the cleaning efficiency of the milk tank.

[0041] Preferably, when the valve core 4 is in the second position, hot water is introduced into the steam inlet 34, while cold water is introduced into the water inlet 32. The introduction of hot water enhances the cleaning effect of the Venturi passage 41 and fluid passage 42. The hot water flows into the milk tank and mixes with the cold water therein, ensuring a thorough cleaning of the milk tank. Furthermore, the use of both hot and cold water inlets prevents safety hazards caused by overheating of the control valve and milk tank during cleaning mode. Furthermore, compared to introducing hot water into the water inlet 32, introducing hot water into the air inlet 33 only requires adjusting the heating temperature of the heater in the original steam supply line, eliminating the need for a separate hot water supply line.

[0042] Furthermore, the control valve of the present invention further comprises a return spring 6. When the valve core 4 is in the first position, the return spring 6 is in the initial state (eg Figure 6 As shown), when the valve core 4 is in the first position and water is flowing into the water inlet interface 32, the valve core 4 moves toward the second position under the action of water pressure, and the above-mentioned return spring 6 is compressed, causing the valve core 4 to have a tendency to move toward the first position (as shown). Figure 10 In this way, there is no need to provide a separate driving device 2, and the valve core 4 is directly driven to move by the water pressure flowing in through the water inlet interface 32. In addition, the valve core 4 can be reset to the first position under the elastic force of the reset spring 6 when in the second position, thereby realizing automatic reset of the valve core 4.

[0043] Furthermore, the valve body 3 is provided with a water inlet channel 5, the water outlet port 52 of the water inlet channel 5 is connected to the milk inlet interface 36, and when the valve core 4 is in the first position, the water inlet interface 32 is not connected to the water inlet port 51 of the water inlet channel 5 (such as Figure 7 As shown), until the water inlet interface 32 is filled with water and the water pressure drives the valve core 4 to the second position, the water inlet interface 32 is fluidically connected with the water inlet port 51 of the water inlet channel 5 (as shown Figure 11By providing the water inlet channel 5, the water inlet interface 32 and the milk inlet interface 36 are in fluid communication. Moreover, when the valve core 4 is in the first position, the water inlet interface 32 is not in communication with the water inlet port 51 of the water inlet channel 5. In this way, the water pressure entering the water inlet interface 32 can fully drive the valve core 4 to move toward the second position. Specifically, in this embodiment, as Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the water inlet channel 5 is disposed in the valve wall of the valve body 3, with its water inlet port 51 opening onto the inner surface of the valve body 3 and its water outlet port 52 opening onto the side wall of the milk inlet port 36. This simplifies the internal structure of the valve body 3 and facilitates controlling the connection between the water inlet port 32 and the water inlet port 51 of the water inlet channel 5 by moving the valve core 4.

[0044] In this embodiment, specifically, the valve body 3 is cylindrical in shape, and its interior is hollow to form the valve cavity 31. The water inlet interface 32 is provided at the first end of the valve body 3, and the air inlet interface 33, the steam inlet interface 34, the milk inlet interface 36 and the milk outlet interface 35 are respectively provided on the side wall of the valve body 3. Figure 3 As shown, the air inlet port 33 and the steam inlet port 34 are arranged side by side, and the milk outlet port 35 is arranged opposite to the steam inlet port 34, and the arrangement direction of the two is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the milk inlet port 36. The valve core 4 matches the valve cavity 31 and can move back and forth along the length direction of the valve cavity 31. The first end of the valve core 4 is opposite to the water inlet port 32 and is separated in the valve cavity 31 along the cross-sectional direction of the valve body 3. When the distance between the valve core 4 and the inner end surface of the first end of the valve body 3 is the shortest, the valve core 4 is in the first position (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown), when the distance between the valve core 4 and the inner end surface of the second end of the valve body 3 is the shortest, the valve core 4 is in the second position (as shown). Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown). This allows the valve core 4 to be better moved toward the second position under the pressure of the water flow from the water inlet interface 32, and as the valve core 4 moves, the steam inlet 44, milk outlet 46, air inlet 43, and milk inlet 45 on the valve core 4 are staggered with the corresponding interfaces.

[0045] Preferably, when the valve core 4 is located at the first position, a gap is left between the end surface of the first end of the valve core 4 and the inner end surface of the first end of the valve body 3 along the length direction to form a water inlet cavity 311. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown. By forming the water inlet chamber 311, a certain amount of water is accumulated in the water inlet chamber 311 in the initial stage of water intake into the water inlet interface 32, ensuring that there is a sufficiently large water pressure to push the valve core 4, thereby ensuring the reliability of the control valve performance. In the present embodiment, specifically, a limiting column 38 extending along the length direction of the valve body 3 is convexly provided on the end face of the first end of the above-mentioned valve core 4. When the valve core 4 is in the first position, the free end of the limiting column 38 abuts against the inner end face of the first end of the valve body 3. In this way, on the one hand, a water inlet chamber 311 can be constructed between the end face of the first end of the valve core 4 and the inner end face of the first end of the valve body 3, and on the other hand, the valve core 4 can be limited to the first position. In addition, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned water inlet interface 32 extends radially along the outer end face of the first end of the valve body 3, and its inner port opens at the center of the inner end face of the first end of the valve body 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 shown.

[0046] Furthermore, a first sealing ring 71 is sleeved on the first end of the valve core 4 and is permanently circumferentially sandwiched between the outer circumferential surface of the first end of the valve core 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 3. This prevents water from leaking from one side of the valve core 4 to the other. This prevents water from remaining in the valve body 3 and affecting the quality of milk froth, while also minimizing safety hazards (residual water can lead to bacterial growth). Furthermore, it helps the water in the water inlet valve chamber 31 generate sufficient pressure to drive the valve core 4. Furthermore, the guiding cooperation between the first sealing ring 71 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 3 facilitates smooth movement of the valve core 4 toward the second position.

[0047] In this embodiment, specifically, the valve core 4 has a cylindrical shape, with its first end protruding outward along the circumferential direction to form a radially extending annular rim 48. This annular rim 48 is disposed within the valve cavity 31, and the first sealing ring 71 is circumferentially embedded in an annular groove (not shown) on the outer circumferential surface of the annular rim 48. At the same time, the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the first end of the valve body 3 is larger than that of the second end, thereby forming an annular step 39 on the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 3. The aforementioned return spring 6 is sleeved on the valve core 4 and sandwiched between the annular rim 48 and the annular step 39, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 10 as well as Figure 11As shown. In addition, the valve core 4 is also provided with a second sealing ring 72, a third sealing ring 73 and a fourth sealing ring 74 at intervals along its own length direction. Each sealing ring is respectively against the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 3 along the circumferential direction. Among them, the second sealing ring 72 and the third sealing ring 73 are respectively located on both sides of the air inlet 43, while the third sealing ring 73 and the fourth sealing ring 74 are respectively located on both sides of the steam inlet 44 and the milk outlet 46, thereby preventing the fluid (for example, milk, water, steam, etc.) from leaking into the gap between the valve core 4 and the valve body 3, and also helping the valve core 4 to move smoothly between the first position and the second position. In addition, a fifth sealing ring 75 is also provided on the surface of the valve body 3. When the valve core 4 is in the second position, the fifth sealing ring 75 is against the inner port of the air inlet interface 33, as shown. Figure 10 shown.

[0048] The "fluid communication" referred to in the present invention refers to the spatial position relationship between two components or parts (hereinafter collectively referred to as the first part and the second part), that is, the fluid (gas, liquid or a mixture of the two) can flow from the first part along the flow path or / and be transported to the second part. It can be a direct connection between the above-mentioned first part and the second part, or it can be an indirect connection between the first part and the second part through at least one third party. The third party can be a fluid channel such as a pipe, channel, conduit, guide member, hole, groove, etc., or it can be a chamber allowing fluid to flow through, or a combination of the above.

Claims

1. A control valve for a milk frothing device, comprising a valve body (3) and a valve core (4), wherein the valve core (4) is arranged in a valve cavity (31) of the valve body (3), characterized in that: The valve body (3) is provided with a water inlet interface (32), an air inlet interface (33), a steam inlet interface (34), a milk inlet interface (36) for communicating with the tank body (1) of the milk tank, and a milk outlet interface (35), and the valve core (4) is provided with a venturi channel (41) and a fluid channel (42), wherein both ends of the venturi channel (41) are respectively opened on the surface of the valve core (4) to form a steam inlet (44) corresponding to the steam inlet interface (34) and a milk outlet (46) corresponding to the milk outlet interface (35), one end of the fluid channel (42) is closed and the other end is connected to the throat of the venturi channel (41), and the fluid channel (42) is respectively provided with an air inlet (43) opening on the surface of the valve core (4) and corresponding to the air inlet interface (33) and a milk inlet (45) corresponding to the milk inlet interface (36). Furthermore, the valve core (4) can move back and forth between a first position and a second position of the valve cavity (31). When the valve core (4) is in the first position, the steam inlet (44), the milk outlet (46), the air inlet (43) and the milk inlet (45) are respectively connected to the corresponding interfaces; when the valve core (4) is in the second position, the steam inlet (44), the milk outlet (46), the milk inlet (45) and the air inlet (43) are respectively staggered with the corresponding interfaces, wherein the steam inlet (44), the milk outlet (46) and the milk inlet (45) are all closed, and the air inlet (43) is connected to the steam inlet interface (34). When the steam inlet interface (34) is connected to the air inlet (43), water is introduced into the steam inlet interface (34), and at the same time, the water inlet interface (32) is in fluid communication with the milk inlet interface (36).

2. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid passage (42) is provided with a fluid port (47) opened on the surface of the valve core (4). When the valve core (4) is in the first position, the fluid port (47) is closed, while when the valve core (4) is in the second position, the fluid port (47) is opened and communicated with the milk inlet port (36).

3. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 2, wherein: When the valve core (4) is in the second position, hot water is introduced into the steam inlet port (34), while cold water is introduced into the water inlet port (32).

4. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The invention also includes a return spring (6). When the valve core (4) is in the first position, the return spring (6) is in the initial state. When the valve core (4) is in the first position and water enters the water inlet interface (32), the valve core (4) moves toward the second position under the action of water pressure. The return spring (6) is compressed, causing the valve core (4) to have a tendency to move toward the first position.

5. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 4, wherein: The valve body (3) is provided with a water inlet channel (5), a water outlet port (52) of the water inlet channel (5) being in communication with the milk inlet interface (36), and when the valve core (4) is in the first position, the water inlet interface (32) and the water inlet port (51) of the water inlet channel (5) are not in communication, until water enters the water inlet interface (32) and the water pressure drives the valve core (4) to the second position, at which point the water inlet interface (32) and the water inlet port (51) of the water inlet channel (5) are in fluid communication.

6. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water inlet channel (5) is arranged in the valve wall of the valve body (3), with its water inlet port (51) opening on the inner surface of the valve body (3) and its water outlet port (52) opening on the side wall of the milk inlet interface (36).

7. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 4, wherein: The valve body (3) is cylindrical in shape and hollow inside to form the valve cavity (31). The water inlet interface (32) is provided at the first end of the valve body (3), and the air inlet interface (33), the steam inlet interface (34), the milk inlet interface (36) and the milk outlet interface (35) are respectively provided on the side wall of the valve body (3). The valve core (4) matches the valve cavity (31) and can move back and forth along the length direction of the valve cavity (31). The end surface of the first end of the valve core (4) is opposite to the water inlet interface (32) and is spaced in the valve cavity (31) along the cross-sectional direction of the valve body (3). When the distance between the valve core (4) and the inner end surface of the first end of the valve body (3) is the shortest, the valve core (4) is in the first position. When the distance between the valve core (4) and the inner end surface of the second end of the valve body (3) is the shortest, the valve core (4) is in the second position.

8. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 7, wherein: When the valve core (4) is located at the first position, a gap is left between the end surface of the first end of the valve core (4) and the inner end surface of the first end of the valve body (3) along the length direction to form a water inlet cavity (311).

9. The control valve for a milk frothing device according to claim 7, wherein: A first sealing ring (71) is sleeved on the first end of the valve core (4), and the first sealing ring (71) is always circumferentially sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the valve core (4) and the inner peripheral surface of the valve body (3).

10. A milk foam generating device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a control valve for a milk frothing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A milk can, characterized in that: It comprises the milk foam generating device (2) as claimed in claim 10.

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