Patent ID: 12222048

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

Some embodiments described here with reference to the attached drawings concern a valve device10suitable to selectively obstruct a flexible tube50.

The valve device10in question is, in particular, a throttle or shut-off type valve, also known as a “pinch valve”, which is configured to keep a flexible tube50normally compressed, preventing the passage of a fluid inside it, and which is selectively drivable to allow the passage of the fluid.

According to some embodiments, the valve device10comprises at least a first body11and a second body12functionally associated with each other in such a way as to define between them a passage gap15in which the flexible tube50is positioned, during use.

The first body11and the second body12are slidingly coupled to each other in such a way as to allow a reciprocal sliding along a sliding axis X.

According to some embodiments, along the sliding axis X the valve device10has a substantially constant height H in each operating position.

According to some embodiments, at least one of either the first body11or the second body12can comprise guide means14, configured to define the direction of the sliding.

According to some embodiments, the passage gap15is comprised in a plane P parallel to the sliding axis X (FIG.7).

The valve device10can assume a closed operating position (FIG.1) and an open operating position (FIG.2).

In the closed operating position, the passage gap15has a minimum transverse area. On the other hand, in the open operating position the passage gap15has a maximum transverse area.

During use, in the closed operating position the first11and the second12bodies interfere with the flexible tube50, deforming it and at least partly obstructing the passage for a fluid, while in the open operating position they do not interfere with, or at least do not deform, the flexible tube50, and therefore they do not even partly obstruct the passage for the fluid.

The valve10comprises elastic means13operatively associated with at least one of either the first body11or the second body12, the elastic means13being configured to keep the valve device10in the closed operating position.

In accordance with some embodiments, the elastic means13are subjected to a stress greater in absolute value in the open operating position than in the closed operating position. In other words, the valve10is held in the closed operating position by elastic return.

According to some embodiments, at least one of either the first body11or the second body12is fixed, that is, it can be fixed to a support structure51by means of fastening means of a known type.

In this specific case, the second body12is fixed to a support structure51, while the first body11is configured mobile with respect to the second body12along the sliding axis X.

The second body12can be provided with through holes40suitable to cooperate with fastening means52of a known type, such as pins, screws, or suchlike, to allow it to be fixed to the support structure51.

The valve device10also comprises an actuation portion16drivable in order to axially move the first body11toward the open operating configuration, counteracting the action of the elastic means13.

The actuation portion16is integral with the first body11and mobile together with it.

According to some embodiments, the actuation portion16is made integral with the first body11, or fixed to it.

According to other embodiments, for example described with reference toFIGS.3-7, the actuation portion16is connected and coupled to the first body11by means of coupling members31,32of the removable type.

According to some embodiments, the elastic means13are disposed between the second body12and the actuation portion16, and in the closed conformation of the valve device10they exert a thrust on the actuation portion16, in such a way as to consequently pull the first body11toward the second body12.

The actuation portion16can be configured to interfere, during use, with the movement of other components, which are outside the valve device10.

The actuation portion16can be configured to transform the motion of other components along a determinate trajectory into a reciprocal sliding between the first body11and the second body12along the sliding axis X.

According to some embodiments, the actuation portion16can have a rounded and/or hemi-spherical shape in order to facilitate its drive by a mobile member.

According to some embodiments, for example described with reference toFIGS.3to5, the second body12comprises a flat portion17provided with through holes18, which define part of the guide means14.

The flat portion17comprises a first surface19which for a segment delimits the passage gap15, and a second surface20, opposite the first surface19, which cooperates with the elastic means13.

The first body11can have a U-shaped housing portion21, which cooperates with the flat portion17to delimit the passage gap15perimetrically.

The passage gap15is therefore closed on the entire perimeter, being disposed as a ring around the flexible tube50when in use.

The housing portion21can comprise two longitudinal segments22a,22b, which extend parallel to the sliding axis X, and a transverse segment23, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal segments22a,22band joins them at the ends.

The longitudinal segments22a,22bare inserted in a sliding way in the through holes18and can have sections with a shape substantially mating therewith.

In this specific case, the sliding axis X is therefore substantially perpendicular to the second body12and parallel to the longitudinal development of the first body11.

The passage gap15is delimited by the transverse segment23, by the two longitudinal segments22a,22band by the first surface19of the second body12.

According to some embodiments, the valve device10comprises a closing element24, integrated with or connected to the first body11, and in particular to the ends of the longitudinal segments22a,22bwhich are opposite the transverse segment23.

The closing element24acts as an abutment element for the elastic means13.

The actuation portion16is connected to, or integrated with, the closing element24, for example the actuation portion16is defined by an external portion of the latter.

In this way, when the valve device10is not subjected to any stress, the elastic means13thrust the closing element24away from the second body12, consequently moving the transverse segment23toward the first surface19in order to reduce the section of the passage gap15and obstruct the flexible tube50therein.

On the other hand, when a force F is exerted on the actuation portion16toward the second body12, in the sense indicated by the arrow inFIG.2, the closing element24compresses the elastic means13while the transverse segment23is moved away from the first surface19, widening the passage gap15.

According to some embodiments, the valve device10consists of three elements: the first body11, the second body12and a spring defining the elastic means13.

According to other embodiments, the valve device10consists of four elements: the first body11, the second body12, a spring defining the elastic means13and the closing element24integrally connectable to the first body11.

According to some embodiments, for example described with reference toFIGS.3-5, the first body11comprises a flat striker portion27disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal segments22a,22band distanced from the transverse segment23.

In particular, the striker portion27can be interposed between the transverse segment23and the distal ends of the longitudinal segments22a,22b. In these cases, the transverse segment23, together with the striker portion27and, partly, the longitudinal segments22a,22b, defines the maximum transverse area of the passage gap15.

The striker portion27can be advantageously configured to support the flexible tube which passes through the passage gap15.

The striker portion27is configured to be positioned, in the closed operating position, in contact with the upper surface19of the second body12and limit the travel of the first body11.

According to some embodiments, the second body12comprises an interference element29which in the closed operating position is disposed protruding inside the passage gap and in contact with the flexible tube50, and in the open operating position is positioned outside the passage gap15. The element29protruding from the first surface19, configured to cooperate with the transverse segment23in order to deform the flexible tube50positioned in the passage gap15, in such a way as to exert a compression on opposite sides of the flexible tube50. This allows to obtain an optimal obstruction of the flexible tube50, on the one hand requiring a lower force, since the force acts on a greater surface of the flexible tube50, and on the other hand also entailing less stress and wear of the flexible tube50itself.

The interference element29can be disposed transversely between two opposite through holes18, parallel to the transverse segment23.

Advantageously, in this way, during use and in the closed operating position of the valve10, the flexible tube50is obstructed, that is, compressed between the interference element29and the transverse segment23.

According to some embodiments, the transverse segment23and the interference element29have a rectilinear development with a reduced width, of the order of 1-3 mm, in such a way as to exert a concentrated and punctual force from opposite sides of the flexible tube50.

According to these embodiments, it can be provided that the striker portion27has a through hole28suitable to allow the passage of the interference element29therein.

According to other embodiments, the first surface19has a central seating26suitable to at least partly house the striker portion27.

The central seating26can be configured as a recess having a shape in plan mating with that of the support element27. In this specific case it is rectangular, however it can have a circular, oval or polygonal shape, or an irregular shape with curved and/or rectilinear segments.

According to some embodiments, the second body12also comprises a tubular portion25, connected to the flat portion17and extending from the lower surface20, which, during use, acts as a housing for the elastic means13.

According to these embodiments, the first body11and the closing element24are provided with respective coupling means30suitable to define a stable reciprocal coupling between the two components.

Preferably, the coupling means30can be of the removable type and can define a coupling by interference, a same-shape coupling or a snap-in coupling.

The coupling means30can comprise attachment elements31provided on the longitudinal segments22a,22bof the first body11, and respective attachment seatings32provided on the closing element24, configured to receive and cooperate with the attachment elements31.

The attachment elements31can for example be made as protruding teeth suitable to be inserted and attach in a respective attachment seating32, for example in the form of a slot, provided on the closing element24.

It is clear, however, that the attachment elements31can be provided on the closing element24and the attachment seatings32can be provided on the first body11.

According to some embodiments, the closing element24can have a tubular portion33, preferably cylindrical, closed at one end by a shaped portion34.

The attachment seatings32can be made in an intermediate position between the tubular portion33and the shaped portion34, so as to facilitate the insertion of the attachment elements31therein.

The tubular portion33is configured to be inserted inside the tubular portion25of the second body12, which therefore defines the overall transverse size of the valve device10.

In this way, once the first body11and the closing element24are coupled to each other, the coupling means30remain protected inside the tubular portion25.

According to possible variants, the shaped portion34can be substantially hemi-spherical and is configured to act as an actuation portion16.

Advantageously, this conformation allows to guide the sliding of the first body11with respect to the second body12more effectively.

In particular, the hemi-spherical conformation of the shaped portion34allows to position the valve device10along the path or the trajectory of a mobile mechanical element63, in such a way that the valve device10is driven by the movement of the mechanical element63.

In fact, if a body outside the valve10contacts the actuation portion16, the hemi-spherical end is configured to transform the motion of the mechanical element63into a translation of the first body11along the sliding axis X (FIG.7).

According to some embodiments, the elastic means13can be configured as a spring disposed between the second body12and the closing element24. In particular, one end13aof the spring13contacts the second surface20of the second body12and the other end13bof the spring contacts an internal surface of the shaped portion34.

In some embodiments, the elastic means13can be advantageously aligned with the sliding axis X.

The second surface20of the second body12can comprise a positioning seating35, facing toward the closing element24that is connected, during use, to the first body11, the positioning seating35being configured to receive one end13aof the spring13. In particular, the positioning seating35can comprise a perimeter edge36, preferably circular, protruding from the second surface20of the second body12.

According to some embodiments, the closing element24can comprise a protuberance37opposite the positioning seating35(FIGS.6and7) configured to be inserted into the spring13, in correspondence with one end13bthereof. Advantageously, in this way the spring13is correctly positioned in the valve device10and firmly anchored thereto.

The present invention also concerns a machine60for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, which comprises a tank61for water, a pump62and a mobile brewing unit63driven by motor means (not shown).

The machine60also comprises a hydraulic circuit64which fluidically connects the tank61with the pump62and the brewing unit63(FIGS.6and7).

The brewing unit63comprises a brewing chamber inside which a dose of coffee powder is placed, the brewing chamber being fluidically connected to a beverage delivery nozzle.

However, it is not excluded that the hydraulic circuit64comprises other components disposed between the pump62and the brewing unit63, downstream of the brewing unit and/or interposed between the tank61and the pump62.

Along the hydraulic circuit64there can also be disposed a heating device69suitable to heat the water fed by the pump62upstream of the brewing unit63.

In some embodiments, the machine60can also comprise flow rate detection means65configured to detect the flow of water generated by the pump62, such as a flow meter, preferably disposed upstream of the pump62.

In other embodiments, the machine60can comprise level detection means66configured to detect the amount of water present in the tank61.

According to some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit64can comprise a branch64adisposed downstream of the pump62, that is, along the delivery duct, along which a valve device10according to the invention is disposed.

The branch64acan comprise at least one segment of flexible tube50put in fluidic communication with the atmospheric pressure, for example fluidically connected to the external environment, which is disposed in the passage gap15.

In some embodiments, the brewing unit63can be moved by the motor means at least from a first work position to a second work position.

By way of example, the brewing unit63can be moved between a first work position in correspondence with a first low end-of-travel position, and a second work position in correspondence with a second high end-of-travel position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the valve device10can be disposed in the machine60in such a way that the movement of the brewing unit63from the first to the second work position interferes with the actuation portion16, in order to determine a compression of the elastic means13and a relative translation between the first body11and the second body12along the sliding axis X, in such a way as to widen the section of the passage gap15and allow the evacuation of possible air bubbles present in the delivery duct.

By way of example, it can be provided that at least one part of the brewing unit63moves along a curved trajectory, indicated by the arrow G inFIG.7. The rounded conformation of the shaped portion34makes the conversion of the thrust received during the rotation into an axial sliding movement of the closing element24and of the first body11particularly effective.

Advantageously, this disposition allows to coordinate the opening of the valve unit10with the movement of the brewing unit63, so as to always ensure a correct functioning of the pump62.

According to preferred embodiments, the valve unit10is disposed in such a way as to be driven by the brewing unit63when the latter is in the low end-of-travel position, that is, in the rest position.

Since the brewing unit63returns to this position at the end of each beverage delivery cycle, this allows to automatically activate the valve device10each time it returns to this position.

The machine60can also comprise a control and management unit67configured to determine the start/stop of the pump62and the start/stop of the motor means. Furthermore, the control and management unit67can communicate with the flow rate detection means65and with the level detection means66.

In preferred embodiments, the machine60also comprises user interaction means68commandable by the control and management unit67in order to transmit information to a user. For example, the interaction means68can comprise screens, keys, keypads, luminous devices (such as LEDs or suchlike) and acoustic devices. Furthermore, the interaction means68can be configured to receive information from a user and to transmit it to the control and management unit67.

In some embodiments, the control and management unit67can be configured to transmit information to a user on the basis of the information received from the level detection means66. For example, if the level in the tank61reaches or is lower than a minimum level, the control and management unit67can request, by means of the interaction means68, that a user fills the tank61.

In some embodiments, a user can confirm the filling is complete by means of the user interaction means68.

The control and management unit67can also be configured to determine the start of the motor means on the basis of the information received from the flow rate detection means65. For example, if the flow detected by the flow rate detection means65is smaller than a minimum value, the control and management unit67can start the motor means causing a movement of the brewing unit63.

Some embodiments described here also concern a method for the functioning of a machine60for preparing beverages.

The method according to the invention comprises, at power up or when a beverage preparation cycle is started, the priming of the pump62in order to feed the water from the tank61to the brewing unit63and the verification of a correct priming of the pump62.

Furthermore, the method comprises a venting step which provides at least the opening of a valve device10according to the present invention to allow possible air bubbles present in the pump62or along the hydraulic circuit64downstream thereof to exit through a branch64alocated downstream of the pump62.

In preferred embodiments of the method, the valve device10can be taken into the open operating position by means of a contact between the mobile brewing unit63, moved from a first work position to a second work position, and the actuation portion16.

In particular, the method can provide to verify whether the pump62has primed correctly and, if the result of the verification is negative, the method provides to move the brewing unit63into a position of activation in which it determines the drive of the actuation portion16of the valve device10, putting the delivery of the pump62in communication with the atmospheric pressure, in such a way as to allow possible air bubbles to exit.

The position of activation can correspond to one of either the first or the second work position, which in turn can correspond to respective end-of-travel positions.

According to some embodiments, in order to drive the valve device10, the method provides in particular to take the brewing unit63into a lower end-of-travel position.

According to possible variants, as a function of the shape and disposition of the components of the machine60, a different position of activation can be provided, for example in an intermediate position between the low end-of-travel position and a high end-of-travel position.

According to some embodiments, if during the delivery of the beverage the suction of the water from the tank61is not detected, the method can provide the steps of:requesting the filling of the tank61, for example by displaying a message for the user by means of the interaction means68, or by generating an alarm, for example of a luminous and/or sound type;receiving confirmation of the filling being complete, for example by means of the interaction means68or the level detection means66;reactivating the pump62and, if the priming thereof does not occur, returning the brewing unit63to the position of activation.

According to some embodiments, the method can also comprise:a step of verifying the level of the tank61;a step of filling the tank61;a step of starting the pump62;a step of verifying the flow, that is, the priming of the pump62.

If the level of the liquid is lower than or equal to a minimum level, the step of verifying the level can be followed by the generation of an alarm which requests that a user fills the tank61.

The step of verifying the flow, that is, that the pump62is correctly primed, can be carried out on the basis of the data supplied by the flow meter65or the level detection means66.

According to preferred embodiments, the step of verifying the flow occurs in parallel to the step of starting the pump62.

In the event that the flow rate determined in the step of verifying the flow is lower than or equal to a minimum value, the method can provide to execute a venting step.

According to some embodiments, the venting step can provide to move the brewing unit63into the position of activation of the actuation portion16, for example in correspondence with the low end-of-travel position.

In this way, the valve device10is opened, putting the delivery of the pump62in communication with the atmospheric pressure.

The method then provides to activate the pump62again and, in the event that the priming is successful, to proceed with the beverage preparation and delivery cycle.

According to some embodiments, the method can provide to execute a venting step each time the brewing unit63is positioned in correspondence with the position of activation.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the valve device10, to the machine60for preparing beverages and to the corresponding functioning method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.