A safety valve for beverage machines

Abstract

This utility model discloses a safety valve for a beverage machine, comprising a main body with a water flow channel, a suction channel, and a water outlet. The water flow channel has an inlet at its inlet end and an outlet near the outlet end of the water flow channel. The suction channel has a suction port, and a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve are installed within the suction channel and the water flow channel, respectively. When the safety valve is in operation, one of the first and second one-way valves is open, and the other is closed. When the first one-way valve is open, the water flow channel is connected to the suction port and blocked from the water outlet. When the second one-way valve is open, the water flow channel is connected to the water outlet and blocked from the suction port. Through the combined action of the first and second one-way valves, backflow at the water outlet is prevented due to temperature changes inside the heating element, effectively preventing powder backflow and blockage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage machine technology, specifically to a safety valve for beverage machines. Background Technology

[0002] Beverage machines are an indispensable appliance in modern life. Taking coffee machines as an example, they generally include a heating system, a jetting system, and a capsule holder. During operation, the heating element heats cold water to a suitable temperature, and the jetting system injects the hot water at high pressure through the capsule tube into the capsule holder to mix with the coffee grounds inside, ultimately brewing a rich cup of coffee.

[0003] When using coffee machines on the market, it has been found that the temperature of the heating system fluctuates during the coffee brewing process, causing the capsule tube to be sucked back. This may result in coffee grounds inside the capsule being drawn into the capsule tube, causing blockage and posing a certain safety hazard.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a safety valve for a beverage machine that can solve at least one of the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on the above analysis, this utility model proposes a safety valve for a beverage machine that aims to solve at least one of the above technical problems.

[0006] This utility model is mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] This utility model provides a safety valve for a beverage machine, comprising a main body, wherein the main body is provided with a water flow channel, a suction channel and a water outlet, the water flow channel is provided with a water inlet at the water inlet end, the water outlet is provided near the water outlet end of the water flow channel, the suction channel is provided with a suction port, a first one-way valve for selectively connecting the water flow channel and the suction port is installed in the suction channel, and a second one-way valve for selectively connecting the water flow channel and the water outlet is installed in the water flow channel;

[0008] When the safety valve is in operation, one of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve is open and the other is closed. When the first one-way valve is open, the water flow channel is connected to the suction port and blocked from the outlet. When the second one-way valve is open, the water flow channel is connected to the outlet and blocked from the suction port.

[0009] Furthermore, the main body is also provided with a discharge channel, the discharge channel is provided with a discharge port, and a third one-way valve for selectively connecting the outlet and the discharge port is installed in the discharge channel. The third one-way valve is located between the outlet and the discharge port.

[0010] When the water pressure at the outlet is greater than the first set water pressure, the second check valve and the third check valve open, and the outlet is connected to the drain port and the water flow channel, respectively.

[0011] When the water pressure in the water flow channel is within the normal operating range, the second check valve opens, and the first and third check valves close. When the water pressure at the inlet is less than the second set water pressure, the first check valve opens, and the second and third check valves close. When the water pressure in the water flow channel is greater than the first set water pressure, the second and third check valves open, and the first check valve closes. The first set water pressure is the maximum value within the normal operating range, and the second set water pressure is the minimum value within the normal operating range.

[0012] Furthermore, the first check valve is located between the inlet and the suction port, while the second check valve is located away from the inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the water flow channel is provided with several flow-blocking parts, which are located between the first check valve and the second check valve.

[0014] Furthermore, the second check valve and the third check valve are located on both sides of the water outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, the main body includes a valve seat, a first groove is provided on the first end of the valve seat, a first cover is detachably installed at the opening of the first groove to cooperate in forming the water flow channel, and a second groove is provided on the second end of the valve seat that selectively communicates with the first groove, a second cover is detachably installed at the opening of the second groove to cooperate in forming the suction channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the opening directions of the first groove and the second groove are opposite to each other. The first groove is provided with a first channel port near the water inlet and a second channel port near the water outlet. The first channel port passes through the second groove. The first check valve is installed on the first channel port and the second check valve is installed on the second channel port. The first check valve and the second check valve are offset from each other.

[0017] Furthermore, the third end of the valve seat is provided with a third groove that is selectively connected to at least part of the water outlet. A third cover is detachably installed at the opening of the third groove to form the discharge channel. The third one-way valve is installed in the third groove, and the second channel opening is provided through the third groove.

[0018] Furthermore, the water inlet is located on the first cover, the water outlet is located on the valve seat, and the suction port is located on the second cover.

[0019] Furthermore, the first check valve and the second check valve are at least one of umbrella valve, duckbill check valve, diaphragm check valve and spring check valve; the third check valve is a spring check valve.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the safety valve for beverage machines provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. By integrating a first check valve and a second check valve into the main body, when the safety valve is working normally (i.e., the water flow channel is under positive pressure), the first check valve is closed and the second check valve is open, allowing water to flow in from the inlet and out from the outlet. When the safety valve is working under negative pressure (i.e., the inlet is under negative pressure), the first check valve is open and the second check valve is closed, allowing external airflow to enter the water flow channel through the suction port to balance the pressure within the water flow channel. Through the combined action of the first and second check valves, backflow at the outlet caused by temperature changes inside the heating element is prevented, which could lead to coffee powder (or soy milk powder, juice powder, or other beverages that require granular ingredients to be brewed with hot or warm water) being sucked into the water flow channel and causing blockage, thus improving the safety of the beverage machine.

[0022] 2. By integrating a third check valve into the main body, when the safety valve operates under high pressure (i.e., when the water outlet is blocked by coffee powder or foreign objects, resulting in excessive pressure in the water flow channel), the second and third check valves open, and the first check valve closes. The water in the water flow channel is then depressurized through the vent, preventing pipe bursts caused by excessive internal pressure in the water flow channel, thus further improving the safety of the beverage machine. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a safety valve for a beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the water flow channel when the water pressure is under positive pressure;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1Cross-sectional view of the water pressure in the middle water flow channel when the water pressure is under negative pressure;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the water pressure in the middle water flow channel when the water pressure is under high pressure;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle valve seat.

[0030] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0031] 1. Main body; 1a. Inlet; 1b. Outlet; 1c. Suction port; 1d. Drain port; 11. Valve seat; 11a. First groove; 11b. Second groove; 11c. Third groove; 11d. First channel opening; 11e. Second channel opening; 12. First cover; 13. Second cover; 14. Third cover; 2. Water flow channel; 3. Suction channel; 4. First check valve; 5. Second check valve; 6. Drain channel; 7. Third check valve; 71. Valve body; 72. Valve column; 73. Valve core; 74. Spring; 8. Flow obstruction part; 9. Snap-fit ​​structure; 10. Raised ridge. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand this utility model and to more clearly define the scope of protection claimed by this utility model, the present utility model is described in detail below with reference to certain specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following are only some specific embodiments of the present utility model, and the specific and direct descriptions of related structures are merely for the convenience of understanding the present utility model; the specific features do not necessarily or directly limit the scope of implementation of the present utility model. Conventional choices and substitutions made by those skilled in the art under the guidance of the present utility model should all be considered within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

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

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, this utility model provides a safety valve for a beverage machine, including a main body 1 arranged vertically, a water flow channel 2, a suction channel 3, a water outlet 1b, and a discharge channel 6 separated from the suction channel 3.

[0036] The water flow channel 2 has an inlet 1a at its inlet end and an outlet 1b located near the outlet end of the water flow channel 2. The suction channel 3 has a suction port 1c. A first check valve 4 is installed in the suction channel 3 to selectively connect the water flow channel 2 with the suction port 1c. A second check valve 5 is installed in the water flow channel 2 to selectively connect the water flow channel 2 with the outlet 1b. The discharge channel 6 has a discharge port 1d located above the outlet 1b. A third check valve 7 is installed in the discharge channel 6 to selectively connect the outlet 1b with the discharge port 1d (i.e., the outlet 1b is at least partially selectively connected to the discharge channel 6). The third check valve 7 is located between the outlet 1b and the discharge port 1d.

[0037] In this embodiment, the water flow channel 2 is located in the lower part of the main body 1. The water inlet 1a is connected to the heating element through a connecting pipe, and the water outlet 1b is connected to the coffee outlet of the capsule holder on the beverage machine through a connecting pipe. The suction channel 3 is located on one side of the upper part of the water flow channel 2, and the suction port 1c is in communication with the outside air. The venting channel 6 is located on the other side of the upper part of the water flow channel 2, and the venting port 1d is in communication with the pressure relief hole on the beverage machine through a connecting pipe.

[0038] When the safety valve is in operation (i.e., during the beverage making process), one of the first one-way valve 4 and the second one-way valve 5 is open, while the other is closed. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the water pressure in the water flow channel 2 is within the normal operating range (i.e., under positive pressure), the second check valve 5 opens, and the first check valve 4 and the third check valve 7 close. The water flow channel 2 is connected to the outlet 1b and is blocked from the suction port 1c and the discharge port 1d, respectively.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, when the water pressure at inlet 1a is lower than the second set water pressure (i.e., in a negative pressure state), the first check valve 4 opens, and the second check valve 5 and the third check valve 7 close. The water flow channel 2 is connected to the suction port 1c and blocked from the outlet 1b. When the water pressure at inlet 1a returns to the normal operating range, the second check valve 5 opens, and the first check valve 4 and the third check valve 7 close. The water flow channel 2 is connected to the outlet 1b and blocked from the suction port 1c and the discharge port 1d.

[0040] like Figure 5As shown, when the water pressure at outlet 1b is greater than the first set water pressure (i.e., under high pressure), the second check valve 5 and the third check valve 7 open, and the first check valve 4 closes. Outlet 1b then connects to the drain port 1d and the water flow channel 2. When the water pressure in the water flow channel 2 returns to the normal operating range, the second check valve 5 opens, and the first check valve 4 and the third check valve 7 close. The water flow channel 2 connects to outlet 1b, which is then isolated from the suction port 1c and the drain port 1d. The water flow channel 2 and inlet 1a are always connected, while the first check valve 4 and the third check valve 7 are normally closed. The second set water pressure and the first set water pressure are the two endpoints of the normal operating range. The first set water pressure and the second set water pressure are set according to actual conditions.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first one-way valve 4 is located between the inlet 1a and the suction port 1c, and the second one-way valve 5 is located away from the inlet 1a. The second one-way valve 5 and the third one-way valve 7 are located on both sides of the outlet 1b, respectively. The third one-way valve 7 is located above the second one-way valve 5. The first one-way valve 4 and the second one-way valve 5 are arranged in opposite directions along the vertical axis, which can effectively avoid the problem of powder backflow and blockage, and at the same time make the structural design of the safety valve more compact. The first one-way valve 4 and the second one-way valve 5 are at least one of the following: umbrella valve, duckbill type one-way valve, diaphragm type one-way valve, and spring type one-way valve.

[0042] like Figure 1-3 As shown in Figure 6, the main body 1 includes a valve seat 11. A first groove 11a is provided on the first end of the valve seat 11. A first cover 12 is detachably installed at the opening of the first groove 11a to form a water flow channel 2. A second groove 11b is provided on the second end of the valve seat 11, which selectively communicates with the first groove 11a. A second cover 13 is detachably installed at the opening of the second groove 11b to form a suction channel 3. A third groove 11c is also provided on the third end of the valve seat 11, which selectively communicates at least partially with the outlet 1b. A third cover 14 is detachably installed at the opening of the third groove 11c to form a discharge channel 6. A third one-way valve 7 is installed in the third groove 11c.

[0043] The opening directions of the first groove 11a and the second groove 11b are opposite to each other. The opening directions of the second groove 11b and the third groove 11c are the same and separated. The second groove 11b is located above one side of the first groove 11a, and the third groove 11c is located above the other side of the first groove 11a. The first groove 11a has a first channel opening 11d near the inlet 1a and a second channel opening 11e near the outlet 1b. The first channel opening 11d passes through the second groove 11b. A first one-way valve 4 is installed on the first channel opening 11d, and a second one-way valve 5 is installed on the second channel opening 11e. The first one-way valve 4 and the second one-way valve 5 are offset. The second channel opening 11e passes through the third groove 11c and is located directly below the third one-way valve 7. The outlet 1b is located on the side wall of the third groove 11c and below the third one-way valve 7.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first cover 12 is installed at the bottom of the valve seat 11, and the second cover 13 and the third cover 14 are respectively installed at the top of the valve seat 11. The first cover 12, the second cover 13, and the third cover 14 are respectively sleeved on the valve seat 11 and connected to it by the snap-fit ​​structure 9, and sealing rings are respectively provided between the first cover 12, the second cover 13, the third cover 14, the third check valve 7 and the valve seat 11. The main body 1 adopts a split structure and is detachable by the snap-fit ​​structure 9, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of each check valve and ensures the reliability of the installation. Alternatively, the split structures of the main body 1 can also be locked together by screws. In another embodiment, the second cover 13 and the third cover 14 can also be an integral structure.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the inlet 1a is located on the first cover 12, the outlet 1b is located on the valve seat 11, the suction port 1c is located on the second cover 13, and the discharge port 1d is located on the third cover 14. The first one-way valve 4 and the second one-way valve 5 are umbrella valves. The first channel port 11d includes a positioning hole and multiple flow holes arranged circumferentially around the outside of the positioning hole. The stem of the umbrella valve passes through the positioning hole in a limiting manner, and the sealing part of the umbrella valve movably covers the flow holes. Figure 2 As shown, the inner wall of the second groove 11b is provided with several protruding ridges 10, which are used to cooperate with the annular groove on the lower surface of the second cover 13 to limit the sealing ring on the annular groove.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the third check valve 7 is a spring-loaded check valve. The third check valve 7 includes a valve body 71, a valve stem 72, a valve core 73, and a spring 74. The valve body 71 is fitted into the third groove 11c of the valve seat 11 and seals with it. The valve stem 72 slides through the valve body 71. The upper part of the valve stem 72 is equipped with a valve core 73 (i.e., a sealing ring) that cooperates with the valve body 71 for a movable seal. The lower part of the valve body 71 and the valve stem 72 is provided with a spring 74, so that the third check valve 7 will only open when the pressure is higher than the set pressure, ensuring the reliability of the safety valve.

[0047] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the water flow channel 2 is provided with several flow-blocking parts 8. The flow-blocking parts 8 are located between the first one-way valve 4 and the second one-way valve 5, which are used to extend the water flow path of the water flow channel 2, so that the first one-way valve 4 is closer to the water inlet 1a than the second one-way valve 5. When the water inlet 1a is under negative pressure, the first one-way valve 4 opens faster and the second one-way valve 5 can close in time, delaying the back suction of the water outlet 1b connected to the capsule seat, and better preventing the problem of powder backflow and blockage.

[0048] In this embodiment, at least two flow-blocking parts 8 are provided, and the flow-blocking parts 8 are baffles. One baffle is disposed at the bottom of the first groove 11a to divide the first groove 11a into two first receiving areas, and the other baffle is disposed at the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the first cover 12 to divide the receiving groove into two second receiving areas. After installation, the two baffles have gaps with the bottom of the corresponding first receiving area and the bottom of the corresponding second receiving area, respectively, for water to flow through.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A safety valve for a beverage machine, characterized in that: The device includes a main body (1), which is provided with a water flow channel (2), a suction channel (3) and an outlet (1b). The water flow channel (2) has an inlet (1a) at its inlet end and an outlet (1b) located near the outlet end of the water flow channel (2). The suction channel (3) is provided with a suction port (1c). A first check valve (4) is installed in the suction channel (3) to selectively connect the water flow channel (2) and the suction port (1c). A second check valve (5) is installed in the water flow channel (2) to selectively connect the water flow channel (2) and the outlet (1b). When the safety valve is in operation, one of the first check valve (4) and the second check valve (5) is open and the other is closed. When the first check valve (4) is open, the water flow channel (2) is connected to the suction port (1c) and blocked from the outlet (1b). When the second check valve (5) is open, the water flow channel (2) is connected to the outlet (1b) and blocked from the suction port (1c).

2. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (1) is also provided with a discharge channel (6), and the discharge channel (6) is provided with a discharge port (1d). A third one-way valve (7) for selectively connecting the outlet (1b) and the discharge port (1d) is installed in the discharge channel (6). The third one-way valve (7) is located between the outlet (1b) and the discharge port (1d). When the water pressure at the outlet (1b) is greater than the first set water pressure, the second check valve (5) and the third check valve (7) open, and the outlet (1b) is connected to the drain port (1d) and the water flow channel (2) respectively.

3. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first check valve (4) is located between the inlet (1a) and the suction port (1c), and the second check valve (5) is located away from the inlet (1a).

4. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The water flow channel (2) is provided with several flow-blocking parts (8), which are located between the first one-way valve (4) and the second one-way valve (5).

5. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The second check valve (5) and the third check valve (7) are located on both sides of the outlet (1b).

6. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The main body (1) includes a valve seat (11). A first groove (11a) is provided on the first end of the valve seat (11). A first cover (12) is detachably installed at the opening of the first groove (11a) to cooperate in forming the water flow channel (2). A second groove (11b) is provided on the second end of the valve seat (11) and selectively communicates with the first groove (11a). A second cover (13) is detachably installed at the opening of the second groove (11b) to cooperate in forming the suction channel (3).

7. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The opening directions of the first groove (11a) and the second groove (11b) are opposite to each other. The first groove (11a) is provided with a first channel port (11d) near the water inlet (1a) and a second channel port (11e) near the water outlet (1b). The first channel port (11d) passes through the second groove (11b). The first one-way valve (4) is installed on the first channel port (11d) and the second one-way valve (5) is installed on the second channel port (11e). The first one-way valve (4) and the second one-way valve (5) are offset.

8. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The valve seat (11) is also provided with a third groove (11c) that is at least partially selectively connected to the outlet (1b) on the third end. A third cover (14) is detachably installed at the opening of the third groove (11c) to form the discharge channel (6). The third one-way valve (7) is installed in the third groove (11c). The second channel opening (11e) is provided through the third groove (11c).

9. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The inlet (1a) is located on the first cover (12), the outlet (1b) is located on the valve seat (11), and the suction port (1c) is located on the second cover (13).

10. The safety valve for a beverage machine as described in any one of claims 2, 5-7, characterized in that: The first check valve (4) and the second check valve (5) are at least one of umbrella valve, duckbill check valve, diaphragm check valve and spring check valve; the third check valve (5) is a spring check valve.

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