A steam valve
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DONGGUAN TONGYI ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
The threaded connection of the steam valve in existing coffee machines is prone to wear and loosening, resulting in poor sealing, metal shavings, and potential leakage. In addition, the cost is high, making it difficult to meet safety and cost requirements.
It adopts a design with metal push rod and non-threaded connection, combined with plastic injection molding, and uses spring and sealing ring to achieve sealing. The steam flow is regulated by control switch to avoid thermal expansion and contraction and the generation of debris.
It achieves a highly stable seal, avoids leakage of metal debris, reduces production costs, and improves safety and adjustment accuracy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224403408U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of coffee machine accessories, specifically a steam valve. Background Technology
[0002] With the rise of coffee trends in China, the demand for coffee machines is also increasing. Both commercial and high-end personal coffee machines have the function of outputting high-pressure steam and adjusting the amount of steam. Therefore, coffee machines are equipped with steam valves with adjustment functions. The steam valves currently used in coffee machines are shown in the technical solution of the published technical document "CN207544919U, a steam valve for a coffee machine". The adjustment method is basically based on threads. "The adjusting rod is provided with external threads, and the steam valve body is provided with internal threads. The adjusting rod and the steam valve body are connected by the mutual cooperation of external and internal threads." Hold the knob and rotate it to make the adjusting rod move away from the steam sealing ring, so that the water inlet and air outlet are in a passable state.
[0003] This solution may not cause problems at first, but each rotation will wear down the threads. Frequent use will change the threads and make them loose, making precise adjustment impossible. Secondly, the valves are mostly made of metal, and the friction between the threads will produce metal shavings that can easily fall into the steam passage and be carried out. If the product is exported abroad and someone ingests it, it would be a serious accident.
[0004] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above document, reference numeral 2 in the attached drawing represents the steam input end. In the initial state, the steam input end is sealed by the sealing block 11 on the piston. In this scheme, the steam pressure of the sealing block 1 is mutually resistant. However, when the threads in the control handle wear and loosen, they cannot provide locking force, which will cause the sealing block 11 to fail to completely seal the steam input end, resulting in leakage. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam valve to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A steam valve includes a valve body, wherein the valve body has an air inlet and an air outlet, and a transition opening is provided between the two, through which a metal push rod passes;
[0008] The end of the metal push rod near the air intake part abuts against the first spring between it and the valve body. A first sealing ring is sleeved on the metal push rod. The first sealing ring is located in the air intake part and is used to block the transition opening.
[0009] Use the control switch to push the metal push rod towards the air intake.
[0010] In a further technical solution, the valve body and control switch are injection molded.
[0011] In a further technical solution, the valve body is provided with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove, which correspond to the two ends of the metal push rod respectively, so that the push rod can be inserted into them respectively, and one end of the metal push rod extends through the second limiting groove to the control switch.
[0012] One end of the metal push rod near the control switch has a first sealing structure between it and the air outlet.
[0013] In a further technical solution, the metal push rod is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, which form a groove between them for fixing the first sealing ring. The second protrusion can be placed in the air outlet and is provided with an adjusting cone surface.
[0014] In a further technical solution, the control switch includes a main body, one end of which is fixed with a handle, and the other end is provided with an adjustment ramp.
[0015] In a further technical solution, the two ends of the adjusting slope are respectively provided with a first groove and a second groove, and the end of the metal push rod can be placed in them respectively.
[0016] In a further technical solution, the valve body is provided with a limiting cavity, the limiting cavity is provided with a movable block, and a second spring is provided between the movable block and the limiting cavity;
[0017] The main body is provided with a third groove and a fourth groove at one end near the adjustment slope. Rotating the main body allows the two grooves to correspond to the movable block respectively, and the movable block extends out and is inserted into them.
[0018] In a further technical solution, the valve body includes a first housing and a second housing, which are detachably connected. The air inlet is located in the first housing, and the air outlet is located in the second housing.
[0019] In a further technical solution, the first housing and the second housing are connected by threads or screws.
[0020] A further technical solution involves providing a second sealing structure and a positioning structure between the first housing and the second housing.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0022] This invention uses a metal push rod to avoid the problem of thermal expansion and contraction. Secondly, it uses a non-threaded switching method to avoid the generation of debris. Because of the non-threaded connection method, the valve body can be injection molded from plastic parts, and the control switch part can also be injection molded from plastic parts, which can greatly reduce costs.
[0023] Other features and advantages of this invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 : A three-dimensional structural diagram of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 2 Disassembly diagram of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 3 The second shell structure of this utility model Figure 1 .
[0027] Figure 4 The second shell structure of this utility model Figure 2 .
[0028] Figure 5 : A cross-sectional closed structure diagram of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 6 : A cross-sectional view of the opened structure of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 7 : Structural diagram of the control switch of this utility model.
[0031] Reference numerals: 1- Valve body, 11- Air inlet, 12- Air outlet, 13- Transition opening, 14- First limiting groove, 15- Second limiting groove, 16- First housing, 17- Second housing, 18- Second sealing structure, 19- Positioning structure, 21- Metal push rod, 22- First spring, 23- First sealing ring, 24- First protrusion, 25- Second protrusion, 26- Adjusting cone surface, 27- Sealing structure, 3- Control switch, 31- Main body, 32- Handle, 33- Adjusting slope, 34- First groove, 35- Second groove, 36- Third groove, 37- Fourth groove, 41- Limiting cavity, 42- Movable block, 43- Second spring, 5- End cap. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] Please refer to Figure 1-7 ;
[0034] The steam valve of this utility model provides an adjustment method different from the prior art, which can maintain rotary adjustment and will not produce impurities such as metal shavings, thus avoiding accidents. Moreover, it has better sealing performance than existing steam valves. Specifically, it includes a valve body 1, which has an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12, with a transition opening 13 between them. The air inlet 11 is used to connect to the steam inlet pipe, while the air outlet is used to connect to external components or an outlet pipe. The air inlet 11 forms a first cavity in the valve body 1, and the air outlet 12 forms a second cavity in the valve body 1. The two cavities are connected through the transition opening 13. A metal push rod 21 is inserted through the transition opening 13. The end of the metal push rod 21 near the air inlet 11 abuts against a first spring 22 between it and the valve body 1. A first sealing ring 23 is sleeved on the metal push rod 21. The first sealing ring 23 is located on one side of the air inlet 11 and is used to seal the transition opening 13.
[0035] It should be noted that even if a product has excellent quality, it will not have a market if the cost remains high; in other words, the product is a failure. In the current coffee machine parts market, prices are quite transparent; a steam valve costs around 3 yuan. Therefore, only products with good quality and low cost will have a market. Taking the publicly available technical document "CN222026310U, Steam Valve Structure for Coffee Machines" as an example, referring to paragraphs 0023-0024 of its instruction manual, we can understand the relationship and specific principles between moving and rotating parts. Currently, most moving and rotating parts are made of plastic. After repeated use, the temperature inside the valve body 1 rises sharply due to thermal expansion and contraction, causing the moving and rotating parts to increase slightly in size. This puts pressure on the sealing ring and threaded parts, leading to difficulty in rotation or abnormal noise. Assuming the moving and rotating parts are made of metal, the external valve body 1 should also be made of metal. However, due to the threaded connection, metal shavings will be generated after prolonged use and will be output with the steam. This is harmful to human health, especially given the strict standards of overseas markets. Therefore, regular replacement is necessary, but this will also increase the cost of use.
[0036] The use of a metal push rod 21 in this utility model can avoid the problem of thermal expansion and contraction. Secondly, the use of a non-threaded switching method can avoid the generation of debris. Because a non-threaded connection method is used, the valve body 1 can be injection molded from plastic parts, and the control switch 3 part can also be injection molded from plastic parts, which can greatly reduce costs.
[0037] In the initial state, under the action of the first spring 22, the metal push rod 21 is pushed out towards the air outlet 12, causing the first sealing ring 23 to close the transition opening 13. At this time, high-pressure steam cannot be input from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. When needed, the control switch 3 is triggered to push the metal push rod 21 towards the air inlet 11, causing the first sealing ring 23 to separate from the transition opening 13, that is, the transition opening 13 is opened. At this time, high-pressure steam can enter the air outlet 12 from the transition opening 13 and be continuously output. After the control switch 3 is reset, under the action of the first spring 22, the metal push rod 21 is pushed out towards the air outlet 12 again, causing the first sealing ring 23 to close the transition opening 13 again. At this time, high-pressure steam cannot be input from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12, that is, the steam valve is in the closed state.
[0038] In one embodiment, assuming there is no high-pressure steam, the first spring 22 pushes the metal push rod 21 outward towards the outlet 12, causing the first sealing ring 23 to close the transition opening 13. At this time, there is a small gap between the control switch 3 and the end of the metal push rod 21. It can be understood that the end of the metal push rod 21 is not in contact with the control switch 3 at this time, that is, the control switch 3 does not restrict the metal push rod 21 in this state. It should be noted that the user experience is also very important, mainly reflected in whether the control switch 3 is easy to use, that is, whether it is easy to push the metal push rod 21. Although using a spring with greater elasticity can increase the sealing performance, it will require more force to trigger the control switch 3. Therefore, using the special structure of this application, when the air inlet 11 continuously supplies high-pressure steam, the air inlet 11 maintains a high-pressure state. The resulting pressure will be applied to the surface of the first sealing ring 23, which will be superimposed with the pushing force of the first spring 22 to squeeze it, thereby improving the sealing performance. That is, the first spring 22 can be selected with reduced elasticity, which can be relatively easy to trigger the outlet control switch 3.
[0039] Of course, since the gap between the control switch 3 and the end of the metal push rod 21 is very small, if the first sealing ring 23 is squeezed and undergoes a slight deformation after continuous high-pressure steam is introduced, the metal push rod 21 will be pushed forward slightly, and the end of the metal push rod 21 can then contact the switch.
[0040] In other words, even if the control switch is slightly loose when the steam valve is closed, there will be no air leakage. It can maintain a high degree of stable sealing, which is unmatched by current coffee steam valves.
[0041] In this embodiment of the present invention, the valve body 1 is provided with a first limiting groove 14 and a second limiting groove 15, which correspond to the two ends of the metal push rod 21 respectively, so that the push rod 21 is inserted into them respectively. One end of the metal push rod 21 extends through the second limiting groove 15 to the control switch 3. The movement position of the push rod is limited by the first limiting groove 14 and the second limiting groove 15. Moreover, a first sealing structure 27 is provided between the end of the metal push rod 21 near the control switch 3 and the air outlet 12, which can prevent high-pressure steam from leaking from the second limiting groove 15 and the metal push rod 21.
[0042] Additionally, a first protrusion 24 and a second protrusion 25 are provided on the metal push rod 21, forming a groove between them for fixing the first sealing ring 23. The second protrusion 25 can be placed in the air outlet 12 and is provided with an adjusting cone surface 26. It should be noted that the part of the air inlet 11 located in the valve body 1 is similar to a "channel", and the second protrusion 25 is placed in this "channel". The maximum outer diameter of the second protrusion 25 is smaller than the inner diameter of the "channel". The function of the adjusting cone surface 26 is that when the metal push rod 21 is pushed towards the air inlet 11, the second protrusion 25 is also gradually pushed out from the "channel" and moved to the air inlet 11. During this process, the gap between the adjusting cone surface 26 and the transition opening 13 increases. This process can be used to adjust the air intake volume, allowing the user to select the amount of steam to be output.
[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention regarding the control switch 3, the control switch 3 can be a push-button type, that is, the control switch 3 is equivalent to a button, and the metal push rod 21 is pushed by pressing. However, although the opening and closing function can be realized, the movement position of the metal push rod 21 cannot be controlled accurately, that is, it is difficult to adjust the output steam. Therefore, a rotary type is still required. Specifically, the control switch 3 includes a main body 31, which is rotatably connected to the valve body 1. A handle 32 is fixed at one end of the main body 31 and extends out of the valve body 1, and an adjusting slope 33 is provided at the other end. Of course, the adjusting slope 33 is distributed along the end face of the main body 31. By rotating the main body 31, the adjusting slope 33 is displaced, which in turn pushes the metal push rod 21 or forms a clearance to allow the metal push rod 21 to extend, thereby realizing the switching function. In addition, a non-threaded rotation method is used, so no debris is generated, which is safer.
[0044] It also includes an end cap 5, which is fitted onto the main body 31 and is fixedly connected to the valve body 1.
[0045] Preferably, the two ends of the adjusting inclined plane 33 are respectively provided with a first groove 34 and a second groove 35, and the end of the metal push rod 21 can be placed in them respectively. The first groove 34 and the second groove 35 are arc surfaces, and the end of the metal push rod 21 is also arc surface, so as not to get stuck. The main body 31 can be disengaged by rotating it.
[0046] In this embodiment of the utility model, the valve body 1 is provided with a limiting cavity 41, and a movable block 42 is provided in the limiting cavity 41. A second spring 43 is spring-loaded between the movable block 42 and the limiting cavity 41. The opening of the limiting cavity 41 corresponds to the end of the main body 31. Under the action of the second spring 43, the movable block 42 is pushed out so that its end face abuts against the end face of the main body 31. A third groove 36 and a fourth groove 37 are provided at the end of the main body 31 near the adjusting inclined surface 33. The main body 31 is rotated so that the two grooves can correspond to the movable block 42 respectively, and the movable block 42 extends out and is inserted into them. Similarly, the third groove 36 and the fourth groove 37 are arc surfaces, and the end of the movable block 42 is also an arc surface. The third groove 36 and the fourth groove 37 correspond to the open and closed states respectively, mainly to provide feedback to the user so that the user knows the current status of the steam valve.
[0047] Regarding the description of accessories, recycling can also reduce costs. Most current steam valves are one-piece or non-removable structures, which makes it impossible to repair or recycle defective products. In this embodiment, the valve body 1 adopts a split structure, including a first housing 16 and a second housing 17, which are detachably connected. The air inlet 11 is located in the first housing 16, and the air outlet 12 is located in the second housing 17. After the two are disassembled, a larger space will be exposed, which can pull out the metal push rod 21 for easy maintenance and recycling. The first housing 16 and the second housing 17 are connected by threads or screws, which can provide better pressure resistance and is also easy to disassemble. A second sealing structure 18 and a positioning structure 19 are provided between the first housing 16 and the second housing 17 to facilitate positioning and installation and prevent steam leakage.
[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A steam valve, comprising a valve body (1), wherein the valve body (1) is provided with an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12), characterized in that: A transition opening (13) is provided between the two, and a metal push rod (21) is inserted through the transition opening (13); The metal push rod (21) near the air intake (11) is abutted against the first spring (22) between the end of the metal push rod (21) and the valve body (1). A first sealing ring (23) is sleeved on the metal push rod (21). The first sealing ring (23) is located in the air intake (11) and is used to block the transition opening (13). Control switch (3) to push metal push rod (21) towards air intake (11).
2. A steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (1) and control switch (3) are injection molded.
3. A steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (1) is provided with a first limiting groove (14) and a second limiting groove (15), which correspond to the two ends of the metal push rod (21) respectively, so that the push rod can be inserted into them respectively. Furthermore, one end of the metal push rod (21) extends through the second limiting groove (15) to the control switch (3); One end of the metal push rod (21) near the control switch (3) is provided with a first sealing structure (27) between it and the air outlet (12).
4. A steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal push rod (21) is provided with a first protrusion (24) and a second protrusion (25), which form a groove between them for fixing the first sealing ring (23). The second protrusion (25) can be placed in the air outlet (12) and is provided with an adjusting cone surface (26).
5. A steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control switch (3) includes a main body (31), one end of which is fixed with a handle (32), and the other end is provided with an adjustment ramp (33).
6. A steam valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two ends of the adjusting inclined surface (33) are respectively provided with a first groove (34) and a second groove (35), and the end of the metal push rod (21) can be placed in them respectively.
7. A steam valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The valve body (1) is provided with a limiting cavity (41), and the limiting cavity (41) is provided with a movable block (42). A second spring (43) is spring-loaded between the movable block (42) and the limiting cavity (41). A third groove (36) and a fourth groove (37) are provided at one end of the main body (31) near the adjusting inclined surface (33). Rotating the main body (31) allows the two grooves to correspond to the movable block (42) respectively, and the movable block (42) extends out and is inserted into them.
8. A steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (1) includes a first housing (16) and a second housing (17), which are detachably connected. The air inlet (11) is located in the first housing (16), and the air outlet (12) is located in the second housing (17).
9. A steam valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first housing (16) and the second housing (17) are connected by threads or screws.
10. A steam valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: A second sealing structure (18) and a positioning structure (19) are provided between the first housing (16) and the second housing (17).