Coffee machine milk path cleaning system and pressure release valve

Abstract

The utility model discloses a coffee machine milk path cleaning system and a pressure release valve, belongs to the coffee machine technology, and aims to solve the problems of high cost, large size and difficulty in layout of a milk path cleaning system of an existing coffee machine which adopts an electromagnetic valve to release pressure, the coffee machine milk path cleaning system comprises a second water pump and a cleaning pressure release pipeline of the pressure release valve, and the pressure release valve is provided with a water passing channel, a pressure release port, an actuating port and a valve core. The second water pump is used for conveying stored water in the water tank to the first liquid inlet of the switching valve through the water channel, and the valve element moves by means of the elastic force of the elastic element or the pressure of water from the actuating opening to switch the circulation and closing of the pressure relief opening and the water passing channel. The pressure relief valve is a mechanical valve, does not need electric control, is small in size and low in cost, can be matched with the elastic element to promote the valve element to move to switch the circulation and closing of the pressure relief opening and the water passing channel only by connecting the water pipe between the first water pump and the pressure relief valve, and is easy to deform and bend, easy to arrange in the coffee machine and small in occupied space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technology of coffee machines, and in particular relates to a milk path cleaning system and a pressure relief valve of a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] Patent application publication number CN116649786A discloses a milk line cleaning system for a coffee machine. After flushing, a pressure relief valve is opened to release the pressurized water delivered to the first liquid inlet of a switching valve, causing the switching valve to reset and switch to another operating state. The pressure relief valve described in this patent is a solenoid valve, which is large and expensive, making it difficult to place within a coffee machine with a given design. Furthermore, the circuit control unit requires control of the solenoid valve, which may increase the size of the circuit board and burden the power cord wiring, making the internal structure difficult to layout. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved and the technical task proposed by the utility model are to overcome the defects of the existing coffee machine milk line cleaning system caused by the solenoid valve for pressure relief, such as high cost, large size, and difficulty in internal structure layout, and to provide a coffee machine milk line cleaning system and a pressure relief valve.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the coffee machine milk line cleaning system of the present invention includes a water tank, a first water pump, a heater, an emulsifier, a milk tank and a switching valve;

[0005] The first water pump is used to transport the water stored in the water tank to the heater, and the heater is used to vaporize the water into steam and transport the steam to the emulsifier. The milk tank is connected to the emulsifier so that the emulsifier draws milk from the milk tank and emulsifies the milk.

[0006] The switching valve includes a first liquid inlet, a second liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The first liquid inlet is used to input pressurized water, the second liquid inlet is used to draw milk from a milk tank, and the liquid outlet is connected to an emulsifier. The switching valve is configured so that either the first liquid inlet or the second liquid inlet is selectively connected to the liquid outlet to allow pressurized water or milk to flow out of the liquid outlet. The second liquid inlet and the liquid outlet remain in normal communication to allow the emulsifier to draw milk from the milk tank. When pressurized water is supplied to the first liquid inlet of the switching valve, the first liquid inlet is switched to the liquid outlet to clean the liquid outlet, the subsequent pipeline, and the emulsifier.

[0007] Its characteristics are: a cleaning pressure relief pipeline is configured, the cleaning pressure relief pipeline includes a second water pump and a pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve includes a water passage, a pressure relief port, an actuating port and a valve core, the second water pump is used to transport the water stored in the water tank to the first liquid inlet of the switching valve through the water channel, the actuating port is connected to the first water pump, and the valve core switches the flow and closing of the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of the elastic element or the pressure of the water from the actuating port.

[0008] Thus, the cleaning and pressure relief pipeline is used to clean the milk circuit and relieve the pressure of the pressurized water. Furthermore, the valve core switches between opening and closing the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of the elastic element or the pressure of the water from the actuating port. When the pressure relief port and the water passage are closed, they are used to clean the milk circuit. When the pressure relief port and the water passage are open, they are used to relieve the pressure of the pressurized water.

[0009] The pressure relief valve is a mechanical valve that does not require electrical control, is small in size, and low in cost. Furthermore, it is only necessary to connect a water pipe between the first water pump and the pressure relief valve to cooperate with an elastic element to cause the valve core to move to switch the flow and closure of the pressure relief port and the water passage. The water pipe is easy to deform and bend, and is easy to arrange inside the coffee machine, occupying a small space.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is embodied as a structure with a normally closed pressure relief port. The valve core uses the elastic force of the elastic element to keep the pressure relief port and the water passage closed. The valve core moves due to the pressure of water from the actuation port to allow the pressure relief port and the water passage to flow. Specifically, the pressure relief valve includes a valve body, a water passage passes through the valve body, an inner cavity connected to the water passage is provided in the valve body, the pressure relief port is located on one side of the water passage and communicates with the inner cavity, the valve core is located in the inner cavity of the valve body, the valve core includes a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, and a connecting groove located between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separated on both sides of the pressure relief port to close the pressure relief port and the water passage. The first sealing ring or the second sealing ring is staggered with the pressure relief port and connects the pressure relief port to the water passage via the connecting groove. In this way, the pressure relief valve is kept compact and small in size.

[0011] In another embodiment, the pressure relief valve is embodied as a structure with a normally open pressure relief port. The valve core maintains fluid flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of an elastic element. The valve core moves due to the pressure of water from the actuation port, closing the pressure relief port and the water passage. Specifically, the pressure relief valve includes a valve body, a water passage extending through the valve body, an inner cavity connected to the water passage and a valve port provided within the valve body. The pressure relief port is located on one side of the water passage and communicates with the inner cavity. The valve core is located within the inner cavity of the valve body. The valve core moves away from the valve port, maintaining fluid flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage. The valve core blocks the valve port, closing the pressure relief port and the water passage. This maintains the compact structure and small size of the pressure relief valve.

[0012] Preferably, the first water pump and the second water pump are plunger pumps for providing stable water pressure.

[0013] Preferably, the water pressure delivered by the first water pump is greater than the water pressure delivered by the second water pump. The water pump model is selected according to the needs to save manufacturing costs.

[0014] Preferably, the outlet end of the first water pump is connected to a safety valve for relieving pressure when the water delivery pressure of the first water pump is high, so as to maintain a stable pressure of the water delivered downstream by the first water pump.

[0015] Preferably, the heater is connected to the check valve and the coffee brewing assembly; the pipeline between the heater and the check valve is connected to the emulsifier via a steam pipeline, with a first shut-off valve configured in the steam pipeline to control the flow and shut-off of the steam pipeline; the pipeline between the heater and the check valve is also connected to the pipeline between the first water pump and the water tank via a return water pipeline, with a second shut-off valve configured in the return water pipeline to control the flow and shut-off of the return water pipeline. Thus, water can be circulated between the first water pump and the heater as needed during startup or operation of the coffee machine. This circulation is initiated when the first water pump is first started after startup, resulting in low pressure at the outlet of the first water pump, facilitating its startup. However, during operation, because the water temperature required for brewing coffee is lower than the temperature of the steam used to emulsify milk, when milk is emulsified first and then coffee is brewed, the heater, maintaining a high temperature, can easily overheat the cold water being supplied, hindering coffee brewing. Once this circulation is initiated, the circulating water cools the heater, ensuring a consistent temperature of hot water output by the heater during coffee brewing.

[0016] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the pressure relief valve of the present invention includes a water passage, a pressure relief port, an actuating port and a valve core. The valve core moves by the elastic force of the elastic element or the pressure of water from the actuating port to switch the flow and closing of the pressure relief port and the water passage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is embodied as a structure with a normally closed pressure relief port. The valve core uses the elastic force of the elastic element to keep the pressure relief port and the water passage closed. The valve core moves due to the pressure of water from the actuation port to allow the pressure relief port and the water passage to flow. Specifically, the pressure relief valve includes a valve body, a water passage passes through the valve body, an inner cavity connected to the water passage is provided in the valve body, the pressure relief port is located on one side of the water passage and communicates with the inner cavity, the valve core is located in the inner cavity of the valve body, the valve core includes a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, and a connecting groove located between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separated on both sides of the pressure relief port to close the pressure relief port and the water passage. The first sealing ring or the second sealing ring is staggered with the pressure relief port and connects the pressure relief port to the water passage via the connecting groove. In this way, the pressure relief valve is kept compact and small in size.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is embodied as a structure with a normally open pressure relief port. The valve core maintains fluid flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of an elastic element. The valve core moves due to the pressure of water from an actuating port to close the pressure relief port and the water passage. Specifically, the pressure relief valve includes a valve body, a water passage extending through the valve body, an inner cavity connected to the water passage and a valve port provided in the valve body, the pressure relief port is located on one side of the water passage and communicates with the inner cavity, the valve core is located in the inner cavity of the valve body, the valve core leaves the valve port to maintain fluid flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage, and the valve core blocks the valve port to close the pressure relief port and the water passage. This maintains the compact structure and small size of the pressure relief valve.

[0019] The coffee machine of the present invention works according to the following steps:

[0020] (1) Emulsifying milk: The first water pump transports the water in the water tank to the heater, which vaporizes the water into steam and transports the steam to the emulsifier. The emulsifier draws milk from the milk tank through the second liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the switching valve by the flow of steam and emulsifies the milk;

[0021] (2) Cleaning the milk line: The second water pump transports the water stored in the water tank to the first liquid inlet of the switching valve through the water passage of the pressure relief valve. The switching valve switches to connect the first liquid inlet with the liquid outlet to clean the liquid outlet and the subsequent pipelines and emulsifier;

[0022] (3) Pressure relief: The valve core of the pressure relief valve is moved to allow the pressure relief port of the pressure relief valve to flow with the water passage to relieve pressure.

[0023] The method controls the state of the pressure relief valve by the first water pump to relieve pressure as needed, so that the switching valve is reset and the working state is changed.

[0024] In one embodiment, when executing step (2), the first water pump stops working, and the valve core of the pressure relief valve keeps the pressure relief port and the water passage closed by the elastic force of the elastic element; when executing step (3), the first water pump is started to supply water to the actuating port of the pressure relief valve, and the valve core moves by the pressure of the water from the actuating port to promote circulation between the pressure relief port and the water passage.

[0025] In another embodiment, when executing step (2), the first water pump is started to deliver water to the actuating port of the pressure relief valve, and the valve core keeps the pressure relief port and the water passage closed by the pressure of the water from the actuating port;

[0026] When executing step (3), the first water pump stops working, and the valve core of the pressure relief valve moves due to the elastic force of the elastic element to promote the flow of pressure relief port and water passage.

[0027] Preferably, the coffee machine operating method comprises the following steps:

[0028] (a) The first water pump delivers the stored water from the water tank to the heater and returns the water to the first water pump through the return pipe;

[0029] (b) Close the return water pipe;

[0030] (c) The first water pump supplies water to the heater, which heats the water into hot water, which flows to the coffee brewing component for brewing coffee; or, the first water pump supplies water to the heater, which heats the water into steam, which flows to the emulsifier for the emulsifier to draw milk from the milk tank and emulsify the milk.

[0031] When the first water pump is started for the first time after startup, the cycle is opened, and the pressure at the outlet of the first water pump is low, which is conducive to starting the first water pump.

[0032] Preferably, the coffee machine operating method comprises the following steps:

[0033] (A) A first water pump delivers water to a heater, which heats the water into steam. The steam flows to an emulsifier, which draws milk from a milk tank and emulsifies the milk.

[0034] (B) the first water pump delivers the stored water from the water tank to the heater, and the water flows back to the first water pump through the return pipe;

[0035] (C) The water return line is closed, and the first water pump delivers water to the heater. The heater heats the water into hot water, and the hot water flows to the coffee brewing component for brewing coffee.

[0036] During operation, because the water temperature required for brewing coffee is lower than the steam temperature used to emulsify milk, if the milk is emulsified first and then the coffee is brewed, the heater maintains a high temperature and can easily overheat the incoming cold water, making it difficult to brew coffee. With this cycle activated, the circulating water cools the heater, ensuring that the hot water delivered by the heater remains at a consistent temperature throughout the coffee brewing process.

[0037] This utility model utilizes a cleaning and pressure relief pipeline comprising a second water pump and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is equipped with a water passage, a pressure relief port, an actuating port, and a valve core. The second water pump is used to deliver water stored in the water tank through the water passage to the first liquid inlet of the switching valve. The actuating port is connected to the first water pump. The valve core switches the flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of an elastic element or the pressure of water from the actuating port. The cleaning and pressure relief pipeline is used to clean the milk circuit and relieve pressure on the pressurized water.

[0038] The pressure relief valve is a mechanical valve that does not require electrical control, is small in size, and low in cost. Furthermore, it is only necessary to connect a water pipe between the first water pump and the pressure relief valve to cooperate with an elastic element to cause the valve core to move to switch the flow and closure of the pressure relief port and the water passage. The water pipe is easy to deform and bend, and is easy to arrange inside the coffee machine, occupying a small space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the circulating water flow of the first water pump of the coffee machine milk line cleaning system in Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of brewing coffee with the milk path cleaning system of a coffee machine according to Example 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of emulsifying milk in the milk path cleaning system of a coffee machine according to Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a coffee machine milk line cleaning system according to Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0043] Figure 5Schematic diagram of the coffee machine milk line cleaning system according to Example 1 of the present utility model, wherein the pressure is released through the pressure relief valve;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a coffee machine milk line cleaning system according to Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0045] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the coffee machine milk line cleaning system according to Example 2 of the present utility model, wherein the pressure is released through the pressure relief valve;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure relief valve of Example 1 of the present utility model in a normal state with the pressure relief port closed;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure relief valve of Example 1 of the present utility model when the pressure relief port is open to release pressure;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure relief valve of Example 2 of the present utility model when the pressure relief port is normally open;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure relief valve of Example 2 of the present utility model when the pressure relief port is closed;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve of the present invention being in normal state, in which the second liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are kept in communication;

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve of the present invention in which the first liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are in communication;

[0052] Description of the numbers in the figure:

[0053] 100 switching valve:

[0054] 110 valve chamber, 111 tubular valve body, 112 first end cover, 113 second end cover, 114 first liquid inlet, 115 second liquid inlet, 116 liquid outlet, 117 annular flange, 118 first cavity, 119 second cavity;

[0055] 120 valve core assembly: 121 tubular piston seat, 122 support seat, 123 valve hole, 124 first spring, 125 valve plug, 126 sealing block, 127 ring groove, 128 sealing ring, 129 radial hole;

[0056] 130 circulation gap;

[0057] 140 second spring;

[0058] 201 water tank, 202 first water pump, 203 heater, 204 coffee brewing component, 205 emulsifier, 206 milk tank, 207 second water pump, 208 second stop valve, 210 first stop valve, 211 return water box, 213 safety valve, 214 check valve, 215 coffee outlet, 216 flow meter;

[0059] 300 coffee cups;

[0060] 400 pressure relief valve, 410 valve body, 411 inner cavity, 412 water passage, 413 pressure relief port, 414 actuating port, 415 valve port, 420 valve core, 421 connecting groove, 430 elastic element, 440 first sealing ring, 450 second sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the description and claims of the present utility model are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a method or product that includes a series of technical features is not necessarily limited to those technical features clearly listed, and may also include other technical features that are not clearly listed and can be included in the method or product.

[0063] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the technical features defined by the terms "first", "second" and other sequential concepts are only for the purpose of clearly describing the defined technical features so that the defined technical features can be clearly distinguished from other technical features, and do not represent such naming in actual implementation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0064] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0065] The various embodiments of the present invention relate to a switching valve 100. The switching valve 100 is as follows: Figure 12-13As shown, it includes a first liquid inlet 114, a second liquid inlet 115, and a liquid outlet 116. The first liquid inlet 114 is used to input pressurized water, the second liquid inlet 115 is used to draw milk from a milk tank, and the liquid outlet 116 is connected to an emulsifier. The switching valve 100 is configured so that either the first liquid inlet 114 or the second liquid inlet 115 is selectively connected to the liquid outlet 116, allowing pressurized water or milk to flow out of the outlet. The second liquid inlet 115 and the liquid outlet 116 remain open to allow the emulsifier to draw milk from the milk tank. When pressurized water is supplied to the first liquid inlet 114 of the switching valve, the first liquid inlet 114 is switched to connect to the liquid outlet 116 to clean the liquid outlet, the subsequent pipelines, and the emulsifier.

[0066] Specifically, the switching valve includes a valve cavity 110 and a valve core assembly 120 disposed in the valve cavity.

[0067] The valve chamber 110 is formed by a tubular valve body 111 and a first end cap 112 and a second end cap 113, which are separately connected to the tubular valve body at both ends. The first end cap 112 and the second end cap 113 are preferably connected to the tubular valve body at both ends by threads. The valve chamber 110 has a first liquid inlet 114, a second liquid inlet 115, and a liquid outlet 116. The first liquid inlet 114 is provided on the first end cap 112. The second liquid inlet 115 is provided on the second end cap 113. An annular flange 117 is provided at one end of the second liquid inlet 115 within the valve chamber to seal the second liquid inlet when the valve core assembly moves to the second position. The liquid outlet 116 is provided at the lower end of the side wall of the tubular valve body 111, adjacent to the second end cap.

[0068] The valve core assembly 120 is piston-shaped and disposed within the valve cavity 110, movable between a first position and a second position. The valve core assembly 120 includes a tubular piston seat 121, a support seat 122, a valve hole 123, a first spring 124, a valve plug 125, and a sealing block 126. The valve hole 123 is located in the center of the tubular piston seat 121 and opens into the first cavity 118. The support seat 122 is threadedly assembled onto the lower end of the tubular piston seat 121. The first spring 124 and the valve plug 125 are located between the lower side of the valve hole 123 and the support seat 122. The two ends of the first spring 124 support the valve plug 125 and the support seat 122, exerting an elastic force on the valve plug toward the valve hole. When there is no pressurized water at the first liquid inlet, the elastic force of the first spring 124 causes the valve plug 125 to seal the valve hole 123. The sealing block 126 is embedded in the lower end of the support seat 122 and corresponds to the second liquid inlet 115, and is used to block the second liquid inlet when the valve core assembly is in the second position. The outer wall of the tubular piston seat 121 is provided with an annular groove 127, and the annular groove 127 is sleeved with a sealing ring 128. The sealing ring 128 is squeezed between the inner wall of the tubular valve body 111 and the annular groove 127 to achieve a seal, preventing the liquid from flowing along the length direction of the tubular valve body at the sealing ring position. In addition, the valve core assembly 120 is located Figure 12In the first position shown, the valve cavity 110 is separated into a first cavity 118 and a second cavity 119 by the valve core assembly 120, and the first liquid inlet 114 is connected to the first cavity 118. When the valve core assembly 120 is in the second position, the second liquid inlet 115 and the liquid outlet 116 are connected to the second cavity 119. In addition, the outer diameter of the tubular piston seat 121 is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular valve body 111, and a flow gap 130 is maintained between the tubular piston seat 121 and the inner wall of the tubular valve body 111. The tubular piston seat 121 is provided with a radial hole 129. The valve core assembly 120 moves to the position where the valve core assembly 120 is moved. Figure 13 In the second position shown, the valve hole 123 is connected to the liquid outlet 116 through the radial hole 129 and the flow gap 130. In other embodiments, a flow gap is provided between the support seat 122 and the tubular piston seat 121, and the valve hole is connected to the liquid outlet through the flow gap when the valve core assembly moves to the second position.

[0069] The second spring 140 is sleeved outside the tubular piston seat 121 and its two ends are supported on the tubular piston seat 121 and the tubular valve body 111 respectively. The second spring 140 applies an upward elastic force to the tubular piston seat 121, which causes the valve core assembly 120 to be located in the first cavity when there is no pressure water. Figure 12 First position shown.

[0070] Therefore, under normal conditions, the valve core assembly 120 is as follows Figure 12 The first position is shown, the first liquid inlet 114 is blocked from the liquid outlet 116, and the second liquid inlet 115 is connected to the liquid outlet 116 to allow milk from the second liquid inlet to flow. Figure 12 When pressure water is input to the first liquid inlet 114 in the state shown, the pressure water overcomes the elastic force of the second spring 140 to move the valve core assembly 120 to the position Figure 13 In the second position shown, the second liquid inlet 115 is blocked, and the pressurized water overcomes the elastic force of the first spring 124 to push the valve plug 125 away from the valve hole 123, so that the first liquid inlet 114 is connected to the liquid outlet 116 through the valve hole 123, the radial hole 129 and the flow gap 130, so that the pressurized water from the first liquid inlet can flow. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The dotted line with an arrow indicates the flow direction of the liquid.

[0071] The switching valve is applied to the milk circuit of a coffee machine to switch the delivery of milk and pressurized water, thereby emulsifying the milk or cleaning the milk circuit.

[0072] Example 1

[0073] Figure 1-5The figure shows the structure of a coffee machine milk line cleaning system and its different operating states. The system includes a water tank 201, a first water pump 202, a heater 203, an emulsifier 205, a milk tank 206, and a switching valve 100. The first water pump 202 is used to transfer water from the water tank 201 to the heater 203. The heater 203 vaporizes the water into steam and transfers the steam to the emulsifier 205. The emulsifier 205 draws milk from the milk tank through the liquid outlet 116 and second liquid inlet 115 of the switching valve 100 and emulsifies the milk.

[0074] The coffee machine milk line cleaning system is also equipped with a cleaning pressure relief pipeline, which includes a second water pump 207 and a pressure relief valve 400. The pressure relief valve 400 includes a water passage 412, a pressure relief port 413, an actuating port 414 and a valve core 420. The second water pump 207 is used to transport the water stored in the water tank 201 to the first liquid inlet 114 of the switching valve 100 through the water passage 412. The actuating port 414 is connected to the first water pump 202. The valve core 420 switches the flow and closing of the pressure relief port 413 and the water passage 412 by the elastic force of the elastic element 430 or the pressure of the water from the actuating port 414.

[0075] like Figure 8-9 As shown, the pressure relief valve 400 is a structure in which the pressure relief port 413 is normally closed. Figure 8 As shown, the upward elastic force of the elastic element 430 keeps the pressure relief port 413 and the water passage 412 closed, and the valve core is as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the pressure of water from the actuating port 414 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 430 and moves downward, allowing the pressure relief port 413 to communicate with the water passage 412. The pressure relief valve 400 includes a valve body 410, a water passage 412 running through the valve body 410, and an inner cavity 411 connected to the water passage 412 is provided in the valve body 410. The pressure relief port 413 is located on one side of the water passage 412 and communicates with the inner cavity 411. The valve core 420 is located in the inner cavity 411 of the valve body. The valve core 420 includes a first sealing ring 440 and a second sealing ring 450 located in a communicating groove 421 between the first and second sealing rings. The first and second sealing rings are shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the valve core is separated on both sides of the pressure relief port to separate the pressure relief port 413 from the water passage 412 to close the connection. Figure 9 After moving downward, the second sealing ring 450 is staggered away from the pressure relief port 413 and connects the pressure relief port with the water passage through the connecting groove 421. In this way, the pressure relief valve is kept compact and small in size.

[0076] Furthermore, both the first water pump 202 and the second water pump 207 are plunger pumps, designed to provide stable water pressure. The water pressure delivered by the first water pump is greater than that delivered by the second water pump. Selecting the pump model based on actual needs reduces manufacturing costs. A safety valve is connected to the outlet of the first water pump. This valve relieves pressure when the water pressure from the first water pump is high, maintaining a stable pressure downstream from the first water pump.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the water flow direction, the downstream of the heater 203 is connected to a check valve 214 and a coffee brewing assembly 205. The pipeline between the heater 203 and the check valve 214 is connected to the emulsifier 205 via a steam pipeline, which is equipped with a first shut-off valve 210 to control the flow of steam through the pipeline. The pipeline between the heater 203 and the check valve 214 is also connected to the pipeline between the first water pump 202 and the water tank 201 via a return water pipeline, which is equipped with a second shut-off valve 208 to control the flow of return water through the return water pipeline. In this way, water can be circulated between the first water pump and the heater as needed during startup or operation of the coffee machine. When the first water pump is first started after startup, this circulation is initiated, and the pressure at the first water pump outlet is low, which facilitates the startup of the first water pump. However, during operation, because the water temperature required for brewing coffee is lower than the steam temperature used for emulsifying milk, when milk is emulsified first and then coffee is brewed, the heater maintains a high temperature, which can easily overheat the cold water supplied, hindering coffee brewing. After turning on this cycle, the circulating water flow can cool the heater, ensuring that the hot water temperature output by the heater is consistent when brewing coffee.

[0078] As mentioned above, when the first water pump is started for the first time after powering on, the coffee machine operates according to the following steps:

[0079] (a) If Figure 1 As shown, the first water pump 202 transports the stored water from the water tank 201 to the heater 203 and returns it to the first water pump 202 through the return pipe; during this period, the first stop valve 210 in the steam pipe is closed and the second stop valve 208 in the return pipe is opened.

[0080] (b) Close the second stop valve 208 in the return water pipeline to close the return water pipeline.

[0081] (c) If Figure 2 As shown, the first water pump 202 delivers water to the heater 203, which heats the water into hot water. The hot water then flows through the check valve 214 to the coffee brewing assembly 204 for brewing coffee, and the coffee beverage flows into the coffee cup 300 through the coffee outlet 215. During this time, the first stop valve 210 in the steam line is closed, and the second stop valve 208 in the return line is closed.

[0082] Or, as Figure 3As shown, the first water pump 202 delivers water to the heater 203, and the heater 203 heats the water into steam. The steam flows through the first stop valve 210 to the emulsifier 205, which is used by the emulsifier to draw milk from the milk tank 206 through the liquid outlet 116 and the second liquid inlet 115 of the switching valve and emulsify the milk. During this process, the first stop valve 210 in the steam pipeline is open, and the second stop valve 208 in the return water pipeline is closed.

[0083] The working method of the coffee machine of this embodiment for emulsifying milk, cleaning the milk path and relieving pressure includes the following steps:

[0084] (1) Emulsified milk: Figure 3 As shown, the first water pump 202 transports the water stored in the water tank 201 to the heater 203. The heater 203 vaporizes the water into steam and transports the steam to the emulsifier 205. The emulsifier 205 draws milk from the milk tank 206 through the second liquid inlet 115 and the liquid outlet 116 of the switching valve 100 by the flow of steam and emulsifies the milk. During this process, the first stop valve 210 in the steam pipeline is opened, and the second stop valve 208 in the return water pipeline is closed.

[0085] (2) Cleaning the milk line: Figure 4 As shown, the second water pump 207 transfers the water stored in the water tank 201 to the first liquid inlet 114 of the switching valve 100 through the water passage 412 of the pressure relief valve 400. The switching valve 100 switches the first liquid inlet 114 to connect with the liquid outlet 116 to clean the liquid outlet 116 and the subsequent pipelines and emulsifier. During this time, the first stop valve 210 in the steam pipeline is closed; the second stop valve 208 in the return pipeline is closed; the first water pump 202 stops working, and the valve core 420 of the pressure relief valve 400 is closed. Figure 8 As shown, the pressure relief port 413 and the water passage 412 are kept closed by the elastic force of the elastic element 430 .

[0086] (3) Pressure relief: Figure 5 As shown, the first water pump 202 is started to deliver water to the actuation port 414 of the pressure relief valve 400. The valve core 420 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 430 by the pressure of the water from the actuation port 414 and moves downward, so that the pressure relief port 413 of the pressure relief valve and the water passage 412 maintain flow to relieve pressure. The switching valve can be switched from Figure 13 The status shown is reset to Figure 12 The initial state is shown. During this period, the second water pump 207 is stopped.

[0087] During operation, since the water temperature required for brewing coffee is lower than the temperature of the steam when emulsifying milk, when emulsifying milk first and then brewing coffee, the heater maintains a high temperature and easily overheats the cold water being delivered, which is not conducive to brewing coffee. In this case, follow the steps below:

[0088] (A) If Figure 3As shown, first water pump 202 delivers water to heater 203, which heats the water into steam. The steam then flows to emulsifier 205, where it draws milk from milk tank 206 through second liquid inlet 115 and liquid outlet 116 of switching valve 100 and emulsifies the milk. During this process, first shut-off valve 210 in the steam line is open, while second shut-off valve 208 in the return line is closed.

[0089] (B) Figure 1 As shown, first water pump 202 pumps water from the water tank to heater 203, where it flows through second shut-off valve 208 in the return line and back to the first water pump. During this process, first shut-off valve 210 in the steam line is closed, while second shut-off valve 208 in the return line is open. This circulating water cools the heater, ensuring a consistent hot water temperature during coffee brewing.

[0090] (C) Figure 2 As shown, the return water line is closed, and the first water pump 202 delivers water to the heater 203. The heater heats the water into hot water, which then flows to the coffee brewing assembly 204 for brewing coffee. During this time, the first stop valve 210 in the steam line is closed, and the second stop valve 208 in the return water line is closed.

[0091] As described above, this embodiment of the coffee machine utilizes a cleaning and pressure relief line to clean the milk circuit and relieve pressure from the pressurized water. Furthermore, the valve core, driven by the elastic force of the elastic element or the pressure of water from the actuating port, switches the flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage between open and closed. When the pressure relief port and the water passage are closed, the milk circuit is cleaned; when the pressure relief port and the water passage are open, the pressurized water is relieved.

[0092] The pressure relief valve is a mechanical valve that does not require electrical control, is small in size, and low in cost. Furthermore, it is only necessary to connect a water pipe between the first water pump and the pressure relief valve to cooperate with an elastic element to cause the valve core to move to switch the flow and closure of the pressure relief port and the water passage. The water pipe is easy to deform and bend, and is easy to arrange inside the coffee machine, occupying a small space.

[0093] Example 2

[0094] Compared with Example 1, the difference of this embodiment is only the structure of the pressure relief valve 400. In this embodiment, the pressure relief valve 400 is a structure in which the pressure relief port 413 is normally open. The valve core 420 allows the pressure relief port 413 to maintain flow with the water passage 412. The valve core 420 closes the pressure relief port 413 and the water passage 412. Specifically, Figure 10-11 As shown, the pressure relief valve 400 includes a valve body 410, a water passage 412 passing through the valve body 410, an inner cavity 411 and a valve port 415 connected to the water passage are provided in the valve body 410, a pressure relief port 413 is located on one side of the water passage 412 and connected to the inner cavity 411, and a valve core 420 is located in the inner cavity 411 of the valve body. Figure 10 As shown, the valve core 420 moves upwards due to the elastic force of the elastic element 430 and leaves the valve port 415, allowing the pressure relief port 413 to maintain flow with the water passage 412. Figure 11 As shown, the pressure of the water from the actuating port 414 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 430 and moves downward to block the valve port 415, thereby closing and blocking the pressure relief port 413 and the water passage 412. In this way, the pressure relief valve is kept compact and small in size.

[0095] Based on the structure of the pressure relief valve, such as Figure 6 When cleaning the pipeline, corresponding to step (2) of embodiment 1, the first water pump 202 is started to deliver water to the actuating port 414 of the pressure relief valve 400, and the valve core 420 is as shown. Figure 11 As shown, the pressure of the water from the actuating port 414 closes the pressure relief port and the water passage, allowing the water from the second water pump to flow to the switching valve and the emulsifier for cleaning. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pressure is released, corresponding to step (3) of Example 1, the first water pump 202 stops working, and the valve core 420 of the pressure relief valve 400 is as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the elastic element 430 moves downward to promote the flow of the pressure relief port and the water passage, and the pressure water of the first liquid inlet of the switching valve 100 is released, and the switching valve is switched from Figure 13 The status shown is reset to Figure 12 Status shown.

[0096] The pressure relief valve in the above embodiment can be used as a reference. Figure 12-13 The switching valve shown is sealed at appropriate locations and assembled using a split structure.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the water flowing out of the water tank can be measured by a flow meter, and the end timing of the corresponding working mode can be controlled based on the flow rate.

[0098] The switching valve can be configured inside the milk tank 206 or outside the milk tank 206 as needed.

[0099] exist Figure 1-7 In each working mode, the flow of fluid is represented by arrows. The direction of the arrows indicates the flow direction of the fluid. The position without an arrow in the pipeline indicates that there is no fluid flow.

[0100] exist Figure 9 、 Figure 10 In the figure, the pressure relief path is indicated by a dotted line with an arrow mark.

Claims

1. A coffee machine milk line cleaning system, comprising a water tank (201), a first water pump (202), a heater (203), an emulsifier (205), a milk tank (206), and a switching valve (100); The first water pump is used to transport the water stored in the water tank to the heater, and the heater is used to vaporize the water into steam and transport the steam to the emulsifier. The milk tank is connected to the emulsifier so that the emulsifier draws milk from the milk tank and emulsifies the milk. The switching valve (100) comprises a first liquid inlet (114), a second liquid inlet (115) and a liquid outlet (116), wherein the first liquid inlet (114) is used to input pressurized water, the second liquid inlet (115) is used to suck milk from a milk tank, and the liquid outlet (116) is connected to an emulsifier; the switching valve is configured so that the first liquid inlet (114) and the second liquid inlet (115) are selectively connected to the liquid outlet (116) so that pressurized water or milk flows out from the liquid outlet; the second liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are kept in normal communication so that the emulsifier can suck milk from the milk tank, and when pressurized water is supplied to the first liquid inlet of the switching valve, the first liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are switched to be connected so as to clean the liquid outlet and the subsequent pipeline and the emulsifier; Its characteristics are: A cleaning pressure relief pipeline is configured, the cleaning pressure relief pipeline comprising a second water pump (207) and a pressure relief valve (400), the pressure relief valve (400) comprising a water passage (412), a pressure relief port (413), an actuating port (414) and a valve core (420), the second water pump (207) being used to deliver the stored water in the water tank to the first liquid inlet (114) of the switching valve (100) through the water passage (412), the actuating port (414) being connected to the first water pump (202), and the valve core (420) switching the flow and closing of the pressure relief port (413) and the water passage (412) by means of the elastic force of the elastic element (430) or the pressure of the water from the actuating port (414).

2. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core (420) keeps the pressure relief port (413) and the water passage (412) closed by the elastic force of the elastic element (430), and the valve core (420) moves by the pressure of water from the actuating port (414) to allow the pressure relief port and the water passage to flow.

3. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve (400) includes a valve body (410), a water passage (412) passing through the valve body, an inner cavity (411) connected to the water passage is provided in the valve body, a pressure relief port (413) is located on one side of the water passage (412) and connected to the inner cavity (411), a valve core (420) is located in the inner cavity (411) of the valve body, the valve core (420) includes a first sealing ring (440), a second sealing ring (450), and a connecting groove (421) located between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separated on both sides of the pressure relief port (413) to close the pressure relief port and the water passage. The first sealing ring or the second sealing ring is staggered with the pressure relief port and connects the pressure relief port and the water passage via the connecting groove (421).

4. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core (420) maintains flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of the elastic element (430), and the valve core (420) moves by the pressure of water from the actuating port (414) to close the pressure relief port and the water passage.

5. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve (400) includes a valve body (410), a water passage (412) passing through the valve body (410), an inner cavity (411) and a valve port (415) connected to the water passage are provided in the valve body (410), a pressure relief port (413) is located on one side of the water passage (412) and connected to the inner cavity (411), a valve core (420) is located in the inner cavity (411) of the valve body, the valve core (420) leaves the valve port (415) to allow the pressure relief port and the water passage to maintain flow, and the valve core (420) blocks the valve port (415) to close the pressure relief port and the water passage.

6. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first water pump and the second water pump are both plunger pumps.

7. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The pressure of water delivered by the first water pump is greater than the pressure of water delivered by the second water pump.

8. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The outlet end of the first water pump is connected to a safety valve (213).

9. The coffee machine milk path cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heater (203) is connected to the check valve (214) and the coffee brewing assembly (204); The pipeline between the heater (203) and the check valve (214) is connected to the emulsifier (205) via a steam pipeline, and a first stop valve (210) for controlling the flow and closing of the steam pipeline is arranged in the steam pipeline; The pipeline between the heater (203) and the check valve (214) is also connected to the pipeline between the first water pump (202) and the water tank (201) via a return pipeline. A second stop valve (208) is provided in the return pipeline to control the flow and closing of the return pipeline.

10. Pressure relief valve, characterized by: The valve core (420) includes a water passage (412), a pressure relief port (413), an actuating port (414), and a valve core (420). The valve core (420) switches the flow between the pressure relief port (413) and the water passage (412) and closes by means of the elastic force of an elastic element (430) or the pressure of water from the actuating port (414).

11. The pressure relief valve according to claim 10, characterized in that: The valve core (420) keeps the pressure relief port and the water passage closed by the elastic force of the elastic element (430), and the valve core (420) moves by the pressure of water from the actuating port (414) to allow the pressure relief port and the water passage to flow.

12. The pressure relief valve according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve comprises a valve body (410), a water passage (412) passing through the valve body (410), an inner cavity (411) connected to the water passage is provided in the valve body, a pressure relief port (413) is located on one side of the water passage (412) and connected to the inner cavity (411), a valve core (420) is located in the inner cavity (411) of the valve body, the valve core (420) comprises a first sealing ring (440), a second sealing ring (450), and a connecting groove (421) located between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separated on both sides of the pressure relief port (413) to close the pressure relief port and the water passage, the first sealing ring or the second sealing ring is staggered with the pressure relief port and the pressure relief port is connected to the water passage via the connecting groove (421).

13. The pressure relief valve according to claim 10, wherein: The valve core (420) maintains flow between the pressure relief port and the water passage by the elastic force of the elastic element (430), and the valve core moves by the pressure of water from the actuating port (414) to close the pressure relief port and the water passage.

14. The pressure relief valve according to claim 10 or 13, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve (400) includes a valve body (410), a water passage (412) passing through the valve body, an inner cavity (411) and a valve port (415) connected to the water passage are provided in the valve body, a pressure relief port (413) is located on one side of the water passage (412) and connected to the inner cavity, a valve core (420) is located in the inner cavity (411) of the valve body, the valve core (420) leaves the valve port (415) to allow the pressure relief port and the water passage to maintain flow, and the valve core (420) blocks the valve port (415) to close the pressure relief port and the water passage.

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