Air valve, milk froth generator and coffee machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of coffee machines, and discloses an air valve, comprising: a valve core and a sealing sleeve; the valve core is rotatably disposed within the sealing sleeve and is sealed to the sealing sleeve; the sealing sleeve is provided with an air inlet channel; the valve core includes a first air inlet hole, a second air inlet hole, and an air outlet hole, with a partition provided inside the air outlet hole, and a damping hole provided on the partition plate; the first air inlet hole communicates with the air outlet hole through the damping hole, and the second air inlet hole communicates with the air outlet hole without passing through the damping hole. By rotating the valve core relative to the sealing sleeve, the milk frother can be switched to three states, allowing the user to conveniently select the output of milk foam, steam, and milk or steam when using the coffee machine, to make various beverages and clean the milk frother.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coffee machine technology, specifically an air valve and a milk frothing generator. Background Technology

[0002] Specialty coffees are typically beverages made by mixing milk foam with coffee. They are popular for their smooth texture and rich milky flavor. A milk frothing device can be added to coffee extraction equipment to create specialty coffees. Currently, most commercially available coffee machines use a milk frother that uses steam to generate milk foam. The milk is drawn into a vacuum chamber, mixed with steam, heated, and foamed. The steam pressure then propels the foam out of the machine. The milk foam is primarily generated by the milk frother, which typically has steam, air, and milk channels. When steam flows at high speed through the ejection chamber from the main steam channel, it causes air and milk to enter the ejection chamber through their respective channels, creating foam that is then expelled from the coffee machine through the frothing tube. Currently, milk frothers typically have an air intake regulating valve on their air channels to adjust the amount of air entering the ejection chamber, thereby regulating the size and fineness of the generated milk foam and achieving subtle differences in taste. However, it is not convenient to select whether to produce only milk or only steam to clean the pipes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an air valve, a milk frother, and a coffee machine, which can conveniently select the milk frothing tube to generate milk foam, steam and milk, or clean steam.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: it is an air valve, comprising: a valve core and a sealing sleeve; the valve core is rotatably disposed within the sealing sleeve and is sealed to the sealing sleeve; the sealing sleeve is provided with an air inlet channel; the valve core includes a first air inlet hole, a second air inlet hole, and an air outlet hole, the air outlet hole is provided with a partition, and the partition is provided with a damping hole; the first air inlet hole communicates with the air outlet hole through the damping hole, and the second air inlet hole communicates with the air outlet hole without passing through the damping hole.

[0005] By rotating the valve core relative to the sealing sleeve, the first air inlet and the second air inlet cooperate with the air intake channel on the sealing sleeve, forming three states: the first state is that both the first air inlet and the second air inlet are connected to the air intake channel; the second state is that the first air inlet is connected to the air intake channel, but the second air inlet is not connected to the air intake channel; and the third state is that neither the first air inlet nor the second air inlet is connected to the air intake channel.

[0006] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the partition is fixed inside the vent by a fixing sleeve. The split design facilitates the production of parts and improves sealing and stability.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the first air inlet and the second air inlet are arranged vertically, and the air intake channel includes a horizontal section and a vertical section. The height of the first air inlet corresponds to the horizontal section, and the height of the second air inlet corresponds to the vertical section. The first air inlet and the second air inlet can fall into the air intake channel at the same time.

[0008] The above structural design allows the valve core and sealing sleeve to change the state of the air inlet and air intake channel by a small rotation angle, and can be easily adjusted between three states.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the valve core is provided with a detection structure, which is used to identify the position of the valve core. This allows for real-time acquisition of air valve status information, enhancing the user experience.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a magnet is provided on the valve core, which is used to cooperate with the Hall sensor to identify the position. When the valve core rotates, the position of the magnet changes accordingly, causing a change in the magnetic field signal sensed by the Hall sensor. The voltage of the Hall sensor serves as a feedback signal, which can be transmitted to the controller, and the output status of the milk frothing tube corresponding to the valve core status can be displayed through indicator lights or an electronic panel.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a knob is also included, which is kinetically connected to the valve core. This facilitates user adjustment of the air valve. The knob may be fitted with a cap, which may have threads, indicator marks, etc., for further ease of use.

[0012] This utility model also proposes a milk frothing generator, including a four-way tube, in which an air inlet, a milk suction inlet, a steam inlet, and an ejection outlet are provided, and the air inlet, milk suction inlet, and steam inlet of the four-way tube are respectively connected to the ejection outlet; it also includes a milk suction tube, a steam inlet structure, an ejection chamber, and a milk frothing tube, the outlet of the milk suction tube is installed at the milk suction inlet of the four-way tube, the outlet of the steam inlet structure is installed at the steam inlet of the four-way tube, the inlet of the ejection chamber is installed at the ejection outlet of the four-way tube, and the inlet of the milk frothing tube is connected to the outlet of the ejection chamber; and the aforementioned air valve, the outlet of which is installed at the air inlet of the four-way tube.

[0013] This utility model also proposes a coffee machine, including the aforementioned milk frother.

[0014] The technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: The milk frother is equipped with the aforementioned air valve. Through the relative rotation of the valve core and the sealing sleeve, the first air inlet, the second air inlet and the air inlet channel on the sealing sleeve cooperate, and the milk frother can be switched to three states. Users can conveniently select the output of milk foam, steam and milk or cleaning steam from the milk frother when using a coffee machine, which is convenient for making various beverages and cleaning the milk frother. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the valve core of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A;

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the air valve of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the milk foam generator of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the coffee machine of this utility model.

[0021] In the attached diagram: 1-Valve core; 11-First air inlet; 12-Second air inlet; 13-Baffle; 131-Damping hole; 132-Fixing sleeve; 14-Air outlet; 2-Sealing sleeve; 21-Air inlet channel; 3-Knob; 4-Magnet; 41-Connector; 5-Four-way pipe; 51-Air inlet; 52-Milk suction port; 53-Steam port; 54-Ejection port; 6-Steam intake structure; 7-Milk suction tube; 8-Ejection chamber; 9-Foaming tube. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0023] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of this utility model are described below.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3An air valve includes: a valve core 1 and a sealing sleeve 2; the valve core 1 is rotatably disposed within the sealing sleeve 2 and is sealed to the sealing sleeve 2; the sealing sleeve 2 is provided with an air inlet channel 21; the valve core 1 includes a first air inlet 11, a second air inlet 12, and an air outlet 14, the air outlet 14 is provided with a partition 13, and the partition 13 is provided with a damping hole 131; the first air inlet 11 communicates with the air outlet 14 through the damping hole 131, and the second air inlet 12 communicates with the air outlet 14 but does not pass through the damping hole 131.

[0025] By rotating the valve core 1 relative to the sealing sleeve 2, the first air inlet 11 and the second air inlet 12 cooperate with the air intake channel 21 on the sealing sleeve 2, that is, air can enter the air inlet through the air intake channel 21, which can form three states: the first state is that the first air inlet 11 and the second air inlet 12 are both connected to the air intake channel 21; the second state is that the first air inlet 11 is connected to the air intake channel 21 through the damping hole 131, and the second air inlet 12 is not connected to the air intake channel 21; the third state is that neither the first air inlet 11 nor the second air inlet 12 is connected to the air intake channel 21.

[0026] Air passes through the air valve via two paths: Path one passes through the air inlet channel 21, the first air inlet 11, the damping hole 131, and the air outlet 14 in sequence. Air passes through the air valve via path one, but the resistance is relatively high because it needs to pass through the damping hole 131. When air only passes through path one, the valve core 1 and the sealing sleeve 2 are in the second state. Path two passes through the air inlet channel 21, the second air inlet 12, and the air outlet 14 in sequence. Air passes through the vent valve via path two, and the air can flow to the air outlet 14 without passing through the damping hole 131. Therefore, the resistance is relatively low. At this time, the valve core 1 and the sealing sleeve 2 are in the first state.

[0027] The sealing sleeve 2 is made of sealing material, typically silicone or similar materials. An air inlet channel 21 is provided on the sealing sleeve 2, meaning there is a recess on the inner wall of the sealing sleeve 2 to allow air to enter. After the sealing sleeve 2 is installed with the valve core 1, air can enter the air valve from the sealing sleeve 2 through the air channel.

[0028] The valve core 1 has a baffle 13 inside, and air can only pass through the damping hole 131 when passing through the baffle 13. This increases the resistance to air passage, which is beneficial for the air valve to achieve multiple states.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the partition 13 is fixed inside the vent 14 by a fixing sleeve 132. The split design facilitates the production of the parts, and the fixing sleeve 132 can be provided with external layered protruding textures and an internal layered structure corresponding to the partition 13 to improve the sealing effect and the stability of the partition.

[0030] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first air inlet 11 and the second air inlet 12 are arranged vertically, and the air intake channel 21 includes a horizontal section and a vertical section. The height of the first air inlet 11 corresponds to the horizontal section, and the height of the second air inlet 12 corresponds to the vertical section. The first air inlet 11 and the second air inlet 12 can fall into the air intake channel 21 at the same time.

[0031] With the above structural configuration, through the cooperation of the first air inlet 11, the second air inlet 12, and the air intake channel 21, the air valve can be easily switched to the three states mentioned above. For details, refer to... Figure 4 In the schematic diagram (B), by rotating the valve core 1, the first air inlet 11 is connected to the horizontal section of the air intake channel 21, and the second air inlet 12 is connected to the vertical section of the air intake channel 21, thus placing the valve core 1 and the sealing sleeve 2 in the first state; refer to... Figure 4 The schematic diagram in section C shows that by rotating the valve core 1, the first air inlet 11 is connected to the horizontal section of the air intake channel 21, while the second air inlet 12 is not connected to the vertical section of the air intake channel 21, thus placing the valve core 1 and the sealing sleeve 2 in the second state; see reference. Figure 4 As shown in the schematic diagram, by rotating the valve core 1, the first air inlet 11 is disconnected from the horizontal section of the air intake channel 21, and the second air inlet 12 is disconnected from the vertical section of the air intake channel 21, thus placing the valve core 1 and the sealing sleeve 2 in a third state. Based on this structural design, the state of the air inlet and the air intake channel 21 can be changed by a small rotation angle, allowing for convenient adjustment between the three states of the air valve.

[0032] In some embodiments, the valve core 1 is provided with a detection structure for identifying the position of the valve core 1. This allows for real-time access to air valve status information, enhancing the user experience.

[0033] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the valve core 1 is provided with a magnet 4, which is used to cooperate with a Hall sensor to identify the position. This allows the user to understand the output status of the milk frothing tube 9 and make the desired beverage. For the assembly of the magnet 4, the magnet 4 can be connected to the valve core 1 via a connector 41. When the valve core 1 rotates, the position of the magnet 4 changes accordingly, causing a change in the magnetic field signal sensed by the Hall sensor. The voltage of the Hall sensor is then transmitted to the controller as a feedback signal.

[0034] In addition to using magnet 4 in conjunction with Hall sensor, valve core 1 is equipped with a detection structure to identify the position of valve core 1, and can also use photoelectric encoder, capacitive sensor and other solutions.

[0035] Reference Figure 5In some embodiments, a knob 3 is also included, which is tractively connected to the valve core 1. This facilitates user adjustment of the air valve. The knob 3 may be fitted with a cap, which may have threads, indicator marks, etc., for further user convenience.

[0036] Reference Figure 5 This utility model also proposes a milk frothing generator, including a four-way pipe 5, in which an air port 51, a milk suction port 52, a steam port 53, and an ejection port 54 are provided. The air port 51, milk suction port 52, and steam port 53 of the four-way pipe 5 are respectively connected to the ejection port 54. It also includes a milk suction tube 7, a steam inlet structure 6, an ejection chamber 8, and a milk frothing tube 9. The outlet of the milk suction tube 7 is installed at the milk suction port 52 of the four-way pipe 5, the outlet of the steam inlet structure 6 is installed at the steam port 53 of the four-way pipe 5, the inlet of the ejection chamber 8 is installed at the ejection port 54 of the four-way pipe 5, and the inlet of the milk frothing tube 9 is connected to the outlet of the ejection chamber 8. The milk frothing generator also includes the aforementioned air valve, the outlet of which is installed at the air port 51 of the four-way pipe 5.

[0037] The milk frother is equipped with the aforementioned air valve. Through the relative rotation of the valve core 1 and the sealing sleeve 2, the first air inlet 11 and the second air inlet 12 engage with the air intake channel 21 on the sealing sleeve 2. This allows the milk frother to switch between three states, enabling users to conveniently select whether the frother outputs milk foam, steam and milk, or cleaning steam. This facilitates the preparation of various beverages and the cleaning of the milk frother. The three states are as follows:

[0038] In the first state, both the first air inlet 11 and the second air inlet 12 are connected to the air intake channel 21. At this time, because the air resistance is small when the air passes through the second air inlet 12, the air outlet 14, the air port 51 of the milk frother and enters the ejection chamber 8, the milk is not sucked into the ejection chamber 8. The air and steam enter the ejection chamber 8 and mix. The milk frothing tube 9 outputs steam for cleaning the pipe.

[0039] In the second state, the first air inlet 11 is connected to the air intake channel 21, while the second air inlet 12 is not connected to the air intake channel 21. At this time, air enters the milk foam generator through the first air inlet 11 and then through the damping hole 131. That is, it enters the ejection chamber 8 in sequence through the first air inlet 11, the damping hole 131, the air outlet 14, and the air port 51. The resistance of air entering is large and similar to the resistance of milk entering the ejection chamber. Air and milk are both drawn into the ejection chamber 8 and mixed to form milk foam. The milk foam tube 9 outputs milk foam.

[0040] In the third state, neither the first air inlet 11 nor the second air inlet 12 is connected to the air inlet channel 21. At this time, the air channel of the air valve is closed, the milk frother does not draw in air, steam and milk enter the ejection chamber 8 to mix, and the milk frothing tube 9 outputs steam and milk.

[0041] In this embodiment, there are at least two Hall sensors, one for identifying the first state and the other for identifying the third state. When magnet 4 rotates with valve core 1 to the first state, magnet 4 causes a change in the voltage signal of the Hall sensor, which is fed back to the controller. At this time, the controller can identify the first state of the milk frother based on the signal change, that is, the milk frothing tube 9 outputs steam for cleaning the pipe. When magnet 4 rotates with valve core 1 to the third state, magnet 4 causes a change in the voltage signal of the Hall sensor, which is fed back to the controller. At this time, the controller can identify the third state of the milk frother based on the signal change, that is, the milk frothing tube 9 outputs steam and milk. When the controller does not receive a signal from the Hall sensor indicating the first or third state, it indicates that the milk frother is in the second state, and the milk frothing tube 9 outputs milk foam.

[0042] Reference Figure 6 This utility model also proposes a coffee machine, including the aforementioned milk frother. Users can conveniently select the milk frothing tube 9 to generate milk foam, steam, and milk, or to clean the steam, facilitating the preparation of various beverages and the cleaning of the milk frother's pipes.

[0043] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air valve, characterized in that, include: Valve core (1) and sealing sleeve (2); The valve core (1) is rotatably disposed inside the sealing sleeve (2) and is sealed to the sealing sleeve (2); The sealing sleeve (2) is provided with an air inlet channel (21); The valve core (1) includes a first air inlet (11), a second air inlet (12), and an air outlet (14). The air outlet (14) is provided with a partition (13), and the partition (13) is provided with a damping hole (131). The first air inlet (11) is connected to the air outlet (14) through the damping hole (131), and the second air inlet (12) is connected to the air outlet (14) without passing through the damping hole (131).

2. The air valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (13) is fixed inside the air outlet (14) by a fixing sleeve (132).

3. The air valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air inlet (11) and the second air inlet (12) are arranged vertically. The air intake channel (21) includes a horizontal section and a vertical section. The height of the first air inlet (11) corresponds to the horizontal section, and the height of the second air inlet (12) corresponds to the vertical section. The first air inlet (11) and the second air inlet (12) can fall into the air intake channel (21) at the same time.

4. The air valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core (1) is provided with a detection structure, which is used to identify the position of the valve core (1).

5. The air valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection structure is a magnet (4), which is used in conjunction with a Hall sensor to identify the position of the valve core (1).

6. The air valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a knob (3), which is connected to the valve core (1) in a transmission manner.

7. A milk frothing generator, characterized in that, The device includes a four-way pipe (5), which has an air port (51), a milk suction port (52), a steam port (53), and an ejection port (54). The air port (51), milk suction port (52), and steam port (53) of the four-way pipe (5) are connected to the ejection port (54). The device also includes a milk suction tube (7), a steam inlet structure (6), an ejection chamber (8), and a milk frothing tube (9). The outlet of the milk suction tube (7) is installed at the milk suction port (52) of the four-way pipe (5). The outlet of the steam inlet structure (6) is installed at the steam port (53) of the four-way pipe (5). The inlet of the ejection chamber (8) is installed at the ejection port (54) of the four-way pipe (5). The inlet of the milk frothing tube (9) is connected to the outlet of the ejection chamber (8). The device also includes an air valve as described in any one of claims 1-6, the outlet of which is installed at the air port (51) of the four-way pipe (5).

8. A coffee machine, characterized in that, Includes the milk foam generator as described in claim 7.

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