RU2779770C1 - Coffee machine with integrated steam and hot water - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: coffee machines.

SUBSTANCE: coffee machine uses a valve device to control the connection of the water heater outlet to one of two or more outlets, such as a steam delivery nozzle and a brewing chamber outlet. The valve device contains an active valve located between the inlet channel and the first of the outlets, and a passive valve located downstream of the active valve from the outlet of the water heater, connected to the second of the outlets. The cam surface controls the active valve, with the angular position of the cam surface controlling the connection of the inlet to the first of the outlets. Rotation can be provided by a rotary connection to the brewing chamber motor. This coffee machine design uses a single valve arrangement to control the flow from the water heater.

EFFECT: invention provides a compact layout, few components and a simple control mechanism, and allows all valve mechanisms to be out of the water or steam flow.

10 cl, 7 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to coffee machines, and in particular coffee machines, which produce hot water for brewing coffee and steam for use in frothing milk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, fully automatic espresso coffee equipment provides automated brewing of coffee with milk froth. In most cases, steam is used to heat and froth milk in a similar way to a barista.

In the device of the first type, the milk foaming unit is connected outside the specified equipment to the interface unit, which supplies steam from the equipment to the milk foaming unit. The milk frothing unit is located outside the main equipment in this case and is thus detachable from the main equipment in order to improve cleaning convenience. In particular, all parts in contact with milk must be cleaned.

The inlet to the milk frothing unit receives steam and delivers it to the milk stored in the milk frothing unit. This prevents milk from contaminating the steam interface, so that only the milk frother needs to be cleaned after each use, and not all parts of the equipment itself. The steam outlet in this case is usually built into a socket-shaped interface in the body of the device, and the milk frothing unit is inserted into this interface.

In the device of the second type, milk frothing is provided by the so-called cappuccinatore, which is a frothing tube inserted by the consumer into the milk tank.

All of these coffee machines may have a single water heater configured to heat water to a sufficient temperature to produce steam for the milk heating and frothing function and for the coffee brewing function. To combine different functions, different valves and flow paths are needed, such as a valve to control the flow to the brewing chamber, a valve to control the outlet flow, and a valve to control the steam flow. These flow path connections and control valves add significant cost. Typically, water and steam supply systems are formed using standard commercially available components such as electronic valves, passive overpressure valves, splitters, hoses, and hose connectors. Thus, the degree of function integration is limited, and the hydraulic circuits are quite lengthy.

This approach leads to a relatively high complexity of the hydraulic circuit.

Conventional valves use springs to open or close, use cams to actuate the valve, or use a combination of both. Some or all of these components are in the hot water or steam stream. Therefore, they can be affected by lime scale, which can potentially lead to functional valve failure or increased flow turbulence.

EP 2 062 512 discloses a coffee machine in which the three main valve functions are performed by a valve block which essentially comprises a parallel combination of three independent valves. This design reduces the amount of piping needed and provides a more compact system, but still involves duplication of parts and many different components that make up the valve system.

EP 0 232 460 discloses a coffee machine with a multi-way valve, in particular a disc-type ceramic valve, which directs the flow of hot water/steam to a selected outlet depending on the angle of the valve.

There is a need for a coffee machine design that provides a cheap and compact valve arrangement to control the various hot water and steam flow paths in the machine.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

In various embodiments, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a coffee machine is provided, comprising:

source of water supply;

a water heater for heating water for generating steam and hot water, having a water heater outlet;

pump for pumping heated water and steam;

steam delivery nozzle;

brewing chamber for brewing coffee with hot water and

a valve device for controlling the selective connection of the outlet of the water heater with a nozzle for delivering steam and a brewing chamber,

wherein the valve device comprises:

an inlet channel connected to the outlet of the water heater;

two or more outlets;

an active valve between the inlet and the first of the outlets;

a passive valve between the inlet and the second of the outlets, and

a cam surface for controlling the setting of the active valve to an open or closed position such that the angular position of the cam surface controls the connection of the inlet to the first of the outlets, while the passive valve is permanently connected between the inlet and the second of the outlets.

This coffee machine design uses a single valve arrangement to control the flow from the water heater. A single inlet (for steam and hot water) is connected to the required outlets using a rotary cam. This provides a compact arrangement with few components. Valve setting is achieved by simply rotating a cam and the water or steam in the inlet is then directed to the desired outlet.

Preferably, the rotation of the direction selection element is effected by the same motor which moves the brewing chamber between its various positions. Thus, there is no need for additional drive means. This again provides a compact design with few components that can easily fit into the limited space of the coffee machine.

The first of the outlets may be a steam outlet and the second may be a brew chamber outlet. When the steam outlet is opened by the active valve, the pressure drop caused by the opening of the steam outlet means that the passive valve closes automatically, preventing liquid from entering the brew chamber. Thus, only one actively controlled valve is needed. In particular, the control of the active valve should only open or close the active valve, and not provide a reconfiguration of the channel structure. It should be noted that the steam outlet can be used to supply steam or hot water as desired by the user.

The coffee machine may also include an outlet to collect water. However, it does not have to be the output of the valve device itself. For example, the outlet of the brew chamber may be selectively connected to the brew chamber or the outlet to collect water depending on the position of the brew chamber. Thus, the valve arrangement only needs one inlet and two outlets.

The active valve may include a valve stem for opening or closing an opening between the inlet port and the first of the outlets, the valve stem being in communication with the cam surface. A valve stem, for example, has a valve seat at its end that simply opens or closes an orifice.

The valve stem, for example, passes through the outer opening (of the valve body), with the entire valve operating mechanism outside the outer opening. Thus, all parts of the valve control are out of flow and only the sliding valve stem is in flow (steam).

A passive valve, for example, comprises a diaphragm valve, the diaphragm having a fluid side and a dry side, with the valve mechanism on the dry side. Thus, all parts of the valve control are again out of flow.

The motor, for example, has an output shaft connected (directly or indirectly) to a main gear that controls the movement of the brewing chamber, for example, between a rest position (where it receives ground coffee, and which is thus also referred to below as the ground coffee receiving position). coffee), intermediate position and brewing position. The valve setting can also be controlled by a connection to said main gear, although other connections are possible.

The output shaft of the brew chamber motor or any gearbox that is part of the motor transmission can be used to control the valve setting.

In the rest or ground coffee receiving position, said valve connects the inlet to the outlet of the brewing chamber via a passive valve. In addition, the position of the brewing chamber is such that the outlet of the brewing chamber is connected to the outlet to collect water. Thus, if water passes through the passive valve, it is directed to the water collection outlet.

In the brewing position, said valve again connects the inlet to the outlet of the brewing chamber via a passive valve. In addition, the position of the brewing chamber is such that the outlet of the brewing chamber is in this case connected to the brewing chamber. In this way, when sufficient pressure is generated by the pump, hot water is directed into the brewing chamber.

Between the initial position and the brewing position, said valve is controlled, for example, to connect the inlet channel to the steam outlet to ensure heating and/or foaming of the milk.

The water collection outlet is for example connected to a drip pan.

The valve device can be installed on the water heater or in close proximity to it with its inlet channel directly connected to the outlet of the water heater without intermediate hoses.

The coffee machine may comprise a complete espresso coffee machine, which in this case also includes a bean grinder and a bean grinder compression device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in FIG. 1 shows the components of a known fully functional espresso coffee machine and in particular shows the fluid paths in the system;

in FIG. 2 shows the layout of a coffee machine in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a valve arrangement in a perspective view;

FIG. 4 schematically shows the positions of the brewing chamber;

in FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the engine arrangement in side view;

in FIG. 6 shows the location of the engine of FIG. 5 in end view; and

in FIG. 7 shows the combination of the valve control with the brewing chamber drive gear.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, which provide exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods, are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or like parts.

The invention provides a coffee machine in which a valve device is used to control the connection of the water heater outlet to one of two or more outlets, such as a steam delivery nozzle and a brewing chamber outlet. The valve device contains an active valve located between the inlet channel and the first of the outlets, and a passive valve located downstream of the active valve from the outlet of the water heater, connected to the second of the outlets. The cam surface controls the active valve, with the angular position of the cam surface controlling the connection of the inlet to the first of the outlets. Rotation can be provided by a motor. Preferably, the rotation is effected by a rotational connection with the brewing chamber motor. This coffee machine design uses a single valve arrangement to control the flow from the water heater.

It provides a compact layout, a small number of components and a simple control mechanism. It also allows all valve mechanisms to be out of the water or steam flow.

FIG. 1 shows the components of a well known fully functional espresso machine and in particular shows the fluid paths in the system.

The coffee machine 10 includes a water tank 12, a water heater 14 for generating steam and hot water having a water heater outlet, and a water pump 18 for pumping the heated water and steam. In addition, there is a water dosing flow meter 17.

The pump supplies water to the heater 14. In addition, there is an overpressure valve 20 between the heater and the water collection unit 22 for collecting or discharging waste water in the form of a drip pan.

Heated steam is supplied to the steam delivery nozzle 24 through the first electronic valve 26. There is a coffee delivery nozzle 25 with an integrated crema valve. The heated water is supplied to the brewing chamber 28 through the second valve 30 and then through the control unit 32. The control unit 32 allows water to be discharged to the water collection unit 22, for example, during the cooling of the heater. His work is detailed below.

The brew chamber 28 is driven by a motor 34 to move the brew chamber between different positions. These positions include at least a ground coffee receiving position and a coffee brewing position.

The coffee machine uses a single heater 14 to selectively supply hot water at about 100°C to brew coffee and steam at about 140°C (or more) to heat and/or froth milk.

The machine may have a system for maintaining pressure in the brewing chamber. It can also have a bean storage tank and grinder so that a complete coffee brewing cycle is provided. In yet another embodiment, the ground coffee may be supplied in capsules, tablets, or the like in portion form. These items are not shown as they are not hydraulic components.

Espresso coffee is usually made by forcing water under pressure to flow through a quantity of ground coffee. The brew chamber, for example, is detachably disposed to facilitate emptying and cleaning of the brew chamber.

During the espresso coffee making process, the ground coffee may be compressed to some extent. To this end, the machine may include, for example, a piston which is movably located in the cylindrical brewing chamber and is configured to seal the open upper side of the brewing chamber.

The movement of the piston controls the degree of compression of the ground coffee. As the ground coffee is compressed more and more, the flow that overcomes the resistance of the ground coffee increases. During the espresso coffee making process, the brewing pressure at which the process is carried out, i. the pressure at which water is passed through the ground coffee is determined by the flow overcoming the resistance of the ground coffee.

The brewing pressure is a determining factor for the important characteristics of the espresso coffee drink, including the taste and structure of the foam layer. Thus, the brewing pressure is, for example, controlled by a change in the position of the piston and/or the flow of water.

The operation of the machine in producing an espresso coffee beverage is entirely conventional, and the general operation of the coffee machine will not be described in detail. Instead, only the details regarding the control of the flow through the machine will be described. In addition, this fully functional espresso coffee machine is only one embodiment of the type of coffee machine to which the present invention can be applied.

When the machine is to make milk-based coffee, the heater 14 is first heated to about 140° C. (or more) to supply steam to heat and/or froth the milk. The heater is then cooled down to about 100° C. to provide hot water for coffee brewing. During the cooling phase from 140°C to 100°C, the water coming from the heater may still be too hot to brew coffee. This water is discharged through the control unit 32 to the water collection unit 22 . For a coffee drink that does not require frothed milk, the heater can only be heated up to 100°C, after which brewing will start without delay.

The control unit 32 is the connection between the valve 30 and the brewing chamber 28, but depending on the position of the brewing chamber. Thus, this block does not choose between flow paths, but instead it functions as a physical interrupt block that makes or breaks the connection between the valve 30 and the brew chamber 28.

When the brew chamber is in its home position (which is the neutral position in which it is positioned to receive coffee from, for example, a grinder), valve 30 is not connected to brew chamber 28 so that the brew chamber is not connected to the water supply system.

When the brewing chamber is moved from the rest position to the brewing position, the heater control pin interacts with the control unit 32 and thereby moves the valve 30 and configures it for fluid communication. When the brewing chamber is in the home position, the control unit sends water to the drip tray, and when the brewing chamber is in the brewing position, the water is directed to the brewing chamber.

The various valves used in the system are expensive and complex.

Instead, the present invention provides a multi-valve design to replace at least the two valves 26 and 30 described above.

FIG. 2 shows an arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention. For the same components, the same reference numbers are used as in FIG. 1. It can be seen that the above two valves are replaced by a valve device 40 for controlling the connection of the outlet of the water heater optionally with the steam delivery nozzle 24 and the brewing chamber 28.

The overpressure valve is shown as a separate component, as in FIG. 1, but this function may instead be built into the valve train as part of the passive valve function described below.

The valve assembly includes an inlet 42 connected to a water heater outlet, a steam outlet 44 (which can also be used to supply hot water), and an infusion chamber outlet 46.

Inside the valve arrangement there is a rotary cam, the angular position of said cam controlling the connection of the inlet to one (or both) of the steam outlet and the outlet of the brewing chamber. A rotary connection 55 is provided between the cam and the motor, in particular the brewing chamber motor.

A particular advantage of this device, in addition to being less expensive and complex, is that it can be driven by the same motor and/or gear train used to move the brew chamber between its various positions, i.e. . its initial position when it is positioned for receiving coffee, and its closed position for brewing.

Three different positions of the brewing chamber can be defined:

The initial position in which the valve device 40 and the control unit 32 are set to discharge water into the water collection unit 22;

The brewing position, in which the valve device is installed to direct water into the brewing chamber; and

An intermediate position in which the valve arrangement is set to direct steam or hot water to the steam delivery nozzle 24.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of valve assembly 40.

The valve arrangement comprises an actively controlled valve 50 ("active valve") and a passive valve 60.

The inlet 42 is connected to the active valve 50 by an inlet tube 52. The active valve 50 controls the connection of the inlet 42 to the steam (and hot water) outlet 44. In particular, at the end of the inlet tube 52 there is an opening 53 which leads to a steam outlet. This port is either open or closed, depending on the setting of the active valve 50.

The active valve 50 has a valve stem 54, the inner end of which forms the valve seat. When the valve stem is moved outward, port 53 opens, and when the valve stem is retracted, port 53 is closed by a valve seat located at the end of the valve stem.

The active valve 50 includes an actuator head 56 located at the outer end of the valve stem. The cam surface 70 is shaped to control movement of the valve stem 54 by engaging with the actuator head 56. The cam surface 70 is the outer peripheral part of the rotating disk 72. The cam surface extends radially outside the valve assembly. It is located on the outside of the body of the valve device and thus provides external control of the valve device through interaction with the drive head. Disc 72, for example, has a flange that extends perpendicular to the plane of the disc, and the drive head moves along this flange as said cam disc rotates. The disc rotates when connected to the brewing chamber motor. The rotation of the rotating disk is directed by the arrangement of pin 74 and slot 76.

The valve stem passes through the outer bore of the valve body. The entire valve control mechanism (i.e. cam) is on the outside of the outer bore. Thus, springs or other components are not in the flow.

The cam surface is used to both push in and pull out the valve stem 54 by having a fixed connection between the actuator head 56 and the cam surface. For example, the actuator head may be placed in a channel of the cam surface so that it can be both pushed and retracted into position. Alternatively, the valve stem is biased outward by a spring so that the cam surface only has to push the valve stem inward. In this case, there is no need for a rigid connection between them. In this case, the spring is not in the flow path.

The passive valve includes a diaphragm 62 which is biased closed by a spring 64. When closed, the passive valve 60 blocks the connection between inlet 66 which is connected to inlet 42 and outlet 68 which is connected to outlet 46 of the brewing chamber. When the pressure becomes high enough, said valve opens.

The passive valve has a control knob 69. The control knob 69 makes it possible to forcefully open the valve by pulling it radially outward. This occurs when the disc 72 is in the correct position, in particular rotated about 90° counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 3. The radially enlarged portion that engages with the drive head 56 in the position shown in FIG. 3 then interacts with the lower part of the control handle 69 . This allows water to flow to outlet 48 even in the absence of high pressure.

This function can be used to remove residual (cold) water from the valve before steam is produced. This prevents an initial splash of cold water from the steam outlet 44 .

Membrane 62 has a fluid side and a dry side, and the valve mechanism is entirely on the dry side.

Thus, the important functional components of both valves, i.e. the entire valve arrangement is outside the flow of water or steam, thereby increasing the reliability of the design and operation of the valve during its entire service life.

The inlet 42 is connected to the passive valve 60 adjacent to the steam (and hot water) outlet 44, so that the inlet 66 can be considered to be downstream of the active valve in the sense that the flow to the outlet 66 usually passes through the first outlet 44. Thus, the passive valve is generally downstream of the active valve because flow can exit the first outlet rather than flow further to the passive valve. Thus, when the active valve 50 is open, the path of least resistance to flow is to the steam (and hot water) outlet 44. The inlet 42 may be fluidly connected to both valves, but the passive valve will close during steam supply so that said valve arrangement is generally higher to direct flow towards either the steam outlet or the brew chamber outlet 46.

The passive valve is open when there is sufficient pressure in the inlet channel, which is created, for example, by the operation of the pump 18. When the pump is running, an overpressure is created in the brewing chamber and the valve remains open until brewing is completed and the pump stops.

When the valve stem 54 is pushed in, the connection to the steam (and hot water) outlet 44 is closed.

During the initial heating stage for coffee brewing, the pressure generated is not sufficient to open the passive valve 60. The volume of water is held in such a way that correct dosing volumes can be provided.

During brewing, the pump is fully turned on, creating enough pressure to open the passive valve 60, and when connected to the brewing chamber, water is directed into the brewing chamber.

During the heating stage to generate steam, the steam pressure may open the passive valve 60 while the active valve is still closed (ie, before steam is supplied). If the brewing chamber 28 is not yet connected at this point in time, all the water is discharged into the water collection unit 22 (drip collector) through the outlet 48 to collect water before vaporization.

During steam generation, when the valve stem is in the open position, the pump runs intermittently to create a weaker water flow and lower pressure. The heater is set to a higher temperature to create steam than during brewing. The pressure remains below the opening pressure of the passive valve 60 so that steam is supplied to the steam (and hot water) outlet 44.

During post-vapour cooling (with the active valve closed), if the pump is on, the pressure opens the passive valve 60, and again, when the brew chamber 28 is not connected, the water drains into the drip tray. This may occur when the water temperature drops from a previous temperature of 140°C to a desired temperature of about 100°C (eg 96°C). This will take some time because the heater is not heated and contains only a limited amount of water. The pumping of cold water through the heater provides active and therefore faster cooling, so that the final volume of steam and some hot water are directed to the drip pan by means of a valve.

The brew chamber 28 is a moving component that moves between various positions, including at least a ground coffee receiving position and a coffee brewing position.

In the coffee brewing position, the brew chamber outlet 46 is connected to the brew chamber 28. The connection between the brew chamber outlet 46 and the water collection outlet (which leads to the drip pan) is closed. In the ground coffee receiving position (or other positions), the brew chamber outlet 46 is connected to the brew chamber 28. The connection between the brew chamber outlet 46 and the water collection outlet (which leads to the drip pan) is open. Thus, the movement of the brew chamber 28 controls the connection of the outlet of the brew chamber to either the drip pan or the brew chamber. This movement is carried out by the control unit 32 .

FIG. 3 shows various flow paths, including a flow path 80 for heated water or steam from heater 14, a steam path 82 for frothing milk, a flow path 84 to the drip pan, and a flow path 86 to the brew chamber 28 and coffee flow 88.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the various positions of the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber 28 is shown in its initial position, in which it can receive ground coffee 90, for example in the form of a tablet or in a capsule, or, as shown in the drawing, from a grinder. Thus, this position is the position at which ground coffee is supplied. This position of the brew chamber 28 is detected by the switch 106 (FIG. 5).

The brewing chamber is moved to the intermediate position 92 and finally to the brewing position 94. In this brewing position 94, ground coffee is compressed as part of the brewing process and the extracted coffee is fed to the coffee delivery nozzle 25.

FIG. 5 shows an engine 34 having an output shaft 100 in the form of a worm wheel. It interacts with the first gear 102 which then drives the main gear 104 which controls the movement of the brew chamber 28 between said two end positions (home position and brew position). The main gear is connected to a detection switch 106 which detects particular angular orientations of the main gear. They correspond to specific positions of the brewing chamber.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of FIG. 5 in end view. The main gear 104 drives the main drive shaft 110, which extends along the axis of rotation and controls the movement of the brewing chamber.

The switch 106 is also used to detect when the brew chamber is in the brew position. Thus, there is feedback to confirm that the brew chamber follows a known range of travel. There is also intermediate position detection, which, as described above, is used to set the position of the valve assembly in which it directs steam towards the steam delivery nozzle.

The detection of this intermediate position can be achieved, for example, by means of synchronization. If necessary, this timing can be calibrated each time the machine is turned on by measuring the time it takes to move between these two extreme positions and averaging this value over the last 3 measurements or so. In yet another embodiment, a second position detection switch may be used. According to another implementation variant, a middle position marker can be used that controls an existing single switch.

The valve device 40 may be controlled based on the rotation of the main gear 104. Indeed, the valve device 40 may be mounted above the main gear 104 as schematically shown in FIG. 7. Thus, there is a connection between the valve and the brewing chamber transmission directly from the main (rotating) brewing chamber drive shaft 110 and the associated main gear. Instead, a gear train may be used between the brewing chamber drive shaft 110 and the valve controller. Instead, the valve may be controlled by a separate rotary connection to the worm gear 100 of the motor.

As described above, the outlet steam is typically used to heat and/or froth the milk. The milk frother can be part of the overall machine. Such a unit may include a reservoir for holding milk, a steam inlet for receiving steam, and an outlet for frothed milk. The milk frothing unit may also include a steam line that receives the steam flow and a milk line that can draw milk out of the tank due to pressure differences based on the Venturi effect created by the steam line. In addition, a mixing chamber can be provided for mixing steam, milk and, if necessary, air, which can be drawn into the mixing chamber by the Venturi effect. The structure and operation of the milk frother is conventional. Thus, other details of the milk frothing unit are not given.

The coffee machine may include any suitable type of water heater for heating water, such as a thermoblock or throughflow heater.

The invention is of particular interest to fully automatic coffee machines which create a coffee beverage by automatically grinding coffee beans, compressing the coffee and forcing pressurized hot water through the coffee. In addition, in such coffee machines it is possible to create drinks based on milk by foaming milk using steam. These machines are known as full-featured full-cycle espresso machines. However, the present invention can be applied in general to any beverage filling machine that has the function of generating both hot water and steam with a shared heater and, for example, with steam used to froth milk.

For example, the invention can be applied to a capsule or tablet based system that accepts capsules or pre-compressed coffee tablets, or a machine that accepts pre-ground coffee.

The machine may have an internal or external water tank or may be connected to a water main.

In the example described above, an intermediate valve position (ie, when pin 74 is in the middle of slot 76) is used for frothing. However, the order of the outlet positions may be different.

Other variations of the described embodiments can be understood and implemented by a person skilled in the art in the implementation of the present invention in practice after reading the drawings, description and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps, and singular grammatical indicators do not exclude the plural. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually distinct dependent clauses does not in itself indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. No reference signs in the claims should be considered as limiting its scope.

Claims (10)

1. Coffee machine, containing: a source (12) of water supply; a water heater (14) for heating water to generate steam and hot water, having a water heater outlet; pump (18) for pumping heated water and steam; nozzle (24) for delivering steam; a brewing chamber (28) for brewing coffee with hot water and a valve device (40) for controlling the connection of the outlet of the water heater, optionally with a nozzle (24) for delivering steam and the brewing chamber (28), wherein the valve device (40) comprises: an inlet channel ( 42) connected to the outlet of the water heater; two or more outlets (44, 46); and an active valve (50) between the inlet (42) and the first outlet (44) of said outlets; characterized in that the valve arrangement also comprises: a passive valve (60) between the inlet port (42) and the second outlet (46) of said outlets, the passive valve being downstream of the active valve; and a cam surface (70) for controlling setting only the active valve to an open or closed position, so that the angular position of said cam surface controls the connection of the inlet (42) with the first outlet (44) of said outlets, and the passive valve is constantly connected between the inlet channel (42) and the second outlet (46) of the said outlets. 2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, also comprising a motor (34) for transferring the brewing chamber between various positions, including at least a position for receiving ground coffee and a brewing position, and a rotary connection (55) between the motor (34) and the surface (70) cam. 3. A coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first of the outlets is a steam outlet (44) and the second of the outlets is an outlet (46) of the brewing chamber. 4. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, also containing an outlet (48) for collecting water. 5. The coffee machine according to claim. 4, in which the outlet (46) of the brewing chamber is optionally connected to the brewing chamber (28) or the outlet (48) to collect water, depending on the position of the brewing chamber. 6. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 4 or 5, also containing a drip pan (22) connected to an outlet (48) to collect water. 7. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the active valve contains a valve stem (54) for opening or closing the hole (53) between the inlet channel (42) and the first outlet (44) of the specified outlet holes, while the valve stem is connected to the surface of the Cam. 8. The coffee machine according to claim 7, wherein the valve stem extends through an opening in the outer housing, with the entire valve control mechanism outside said opening in the outer housing. 9. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, in which the passive valve (60) comprises a diaphragm valve, wherein the diaphragm (62) has a fluid side and a dry side, the passive valve valving being on the dry side. 10. The coffee machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a full cycle espresso coffee machine comprising a bean grinder and a bean grinder compressor.

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