Wine preservation and dispensing device with needle

Abstract

The present invention provides a wine butler including a machine frame, a bottle fixing device, an extraction needle, and a liquid outlet device. The extraction needle includes a needle body, an end seat fixed to the root portion of the needle body, and a sealing body movably disposed within a liquid guiding chamber of the end seat. The liquid guiding chamber communicates with the needle body and has a liquid outlet port at its bottom, which can be sealed or opened by the sealing body. This self-sealing functionality allows the extraction needle to remain in the wine bottle while maintaining airtightness after bottle removal from the machine, eliminating the need for repeated needle insertions when reconnecting the bottle and thus preserving the cork's integrity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to a wine butler.Background of the Invention

[0002] Wine is an essential beverage in daily life. Wine contains ethanol produced by sugar fermentation, as well as large amounts of tannins and polyphenolic compounds, which are highly susceptible to oxidation reactions when exposed to oxygen. Once a wine bottle is opened, the original seal is broken. Therefore, if the wine cannot be consumed entirely within a short period after opening, the polyphenolic compounds in the wine will react chemically with oxygen in the air, leading to deterioration in taste or spoilage of the wine.

[0003] To address this issue, people mainly use wine butlers where wine bottles are secured, and the machine is equipped with a needle body that can be inserted into the bottle. The needle body penetrates the bottle cork through the bottle mouth to contact the wine, minimizing the seal damage at the bottle mouth during wine extraction.

[0004] However, when the same bottle is to be accessed again after the machine has been used with other bottles in between, the extraction needle needs to penetrate the cork again. Consequently, after multiple uses, the airtightness of the cork deteriorates, leading to degradation in wine quality.

[0005] Therefore, even when using the extraction needle method, the airtightness of bottled wine inevitably decreases after multiple uses, affecting the wine quality. This deficiency creates significant inconvenience for both the consumption of bottled wine and its portioned retail sale.Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention discloses a wine butler. The wine butler includes a machine frame; a bottle fixing device fixed to the machine frame for securing a wine bottle; an extraction needle; a liquid outlet device; wherein the extraction needle includes: a needle body; an end seat fixed to one end of the needle body, the end seat having a liquid guiding chamber communicating with the needle body, and a liquid outlet port provided at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber; a sealing body movably disposed within the liquid guiding chamber for sealing or opening the liquid outlet port; wherein the liquid outlet device communicates with the end seat of the extraction needle for conveying wine flowing out of the needle body, the liquid outlet device includes a drainage connector for mating with the end seat, the drainage connector fits with the liquid outlet port, and the drainage connector is configured to pass through the liquid outlet port to push the sealing body thereby connecting the liquid guiding chamber.

[0007] In some embodiment, the liquid guiding chamber is provided with an elastic member for pressing the sealing body towards the liquid outlet port; the sealing body has a sealing portion on a surface facing the liquid outlet port, and the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber is provided with a sealing groove fitting with the sealing portion, the liquid outlet port communicates with the sealing groove; wherein the sealing portion has a spherical surface, and the sealing groove includes a conical structure fitting with the spherical surface; wherein a first opening of the conical structure joins with the sealing portion, and a second opening of the conical structure communicates with the liquid outlet port.

[0008] In some embodiment a plurality of guide grooves are provided in the liquid guiding chamber, wherein the guide grooves define a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface in the liquid guiding chamber; wherein the first inner wall surface is the wall surface where no guide groove is formed in the liquid guiding chamber; the second wall surface is the bottom wall of the guide grooves; the sealing body is spherical, the radius of the spherical sealing body is r, and the distance L between the edge of the first opening of the conical structure and the first inner wall surface of the liquid guiding chamber satisfies r > L.

[0009] In some embodiment, the sealing body is spherical, the radius of the sealing body is r, the radius of the inscribed circle of the sealing groove in the radial section of the needle body is R, wherein 2R > 2r > R.

[0010] In some embodiment, the sealing body is spherical, the bottom of the end seat is provided with an opening for installing the sealing body, and the extraction needle further includes a cover cap detachably connected to the opening, wherein the liquid outlet port is formed in the cover cap.

[0011] In some embodiment, the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber is provided with a sealing ring fitting with the sealing body; a stepped surface for fixing the sealing ring is provided at the end where the opening connects with the liquid guiding chamber, and the sealing ring is located between the cover cap and the stepped surface.

[0012] In some embodiment, the wine butler further includes: a drainage device disposed opposite to the bottle fixing device for communicating with the wine bottle through the extraction needle, the drainage device including a connector for connecting with the extraction needle, and a walking mechanism for driving the connector to move towards or away from the bottle fixing device; a needle box having a supply chamber for storing the extraction needles, one end of the needle box having a waiting chamber for accommodating a single extraction needle, wherein the waiting chamber communicates with the supply chamber, such that the extraction needle enters the waiting chamber from the supply chamber, and the extraction needle in the waiting chamber is driven by the connector to move towards the bottle fixing device to pierce the bottle mouth.

[0013] In some embodiment, the needle box is further provided with a feeding mechanism for pushing the extraction needle from the supply chamber to the waiting chamber; the feeding mechanism includes a first spring provided at the end of the needle box away from the waiting chamber.

[0014] In some embodiment, the feeding mechanism further includes a stop assembly for releasing or blocking the extraction needle from entering the waiting chamber, the stop assembly being disposed at the end of the supply chamber adjacent to the waiting chamber; when the connector is located between the bottle fixing device and the waiting chamber, the stop assembly blocks the extraction needle from entering the waiting chamber; when the waiting chamber is located between the connector and the bottle fixing device, the stop assembly allows the extraction needle to enter the waiting chamber; wherein the stop assembly includes a movable member movable relative to the supply chamber, and a movement track of the movable member includes a limiting position where it contacts the extraction needle in the supply chamber to restrict its entry into the waiting chamber, and a release position where it separates from the extraction needle to allow its entry into the waiting chamber.

[0015] In some embodiment, the movable member has a pressure plate extending to the movement track of the connector, on the connector movement track, when the connector moves away from the bottle fixing device and passes through the waiting chamber, the connector transmits connection with the pressure plate to drive the movable member to move to the release position; wherein the stop assembly further includes: a reset member for actively moving the movable member to the limiting position when the pressure plate separates from the connector.

[0016] In some embodiment, the stop assembly further includes a support body for fixing the movable member, the movable member being movably connected to the support body, the support body having a limiting structure for limiting the movement range of the pressure plate; wherein the support body is a hollow structure, the movable member is fitted within the support body, the limiting structure includes a limiting slot formed in the side wall of the support body, the pressure plate extends to the outside of the support body through the limiting slot; the reset member is a second spring disposed between the movable member and the support body.

[0017] In some embodiment, the end seat of the extraction needle is provided with a protrusion, and the supply chamber is further provided with a guide rail matching with the end seat , the guide rail has a groove matching with the end seat; wherein the protrusion matches with a groove of the guide rail, the protrusion is located at the end of the end seat adjacent to the needle body; the end seat is movable along the extension direction of the guide rail, the groove limits the degrees of freedom of the end seat perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide rail; a through slot for needle body movement is formed at the top of the guide rail.

[0018] In some embodiment, one end of the connector is provided with an insertion seat for fixedly connecting the end seat, the bottom of the insertion seat is provided with an insertion head for inserting into the end seat, and the other end of the connector is provided with a drainage tube communicating with the insertion head.

[0019] In some embodiment, the walking mechanism includes a cantilever connecting the connector, and the side wall of the waiting chamber is provided with a notch for the cantilever to pass through.

[0020] In some embodiment, the needle box further includes a dust cover covering the top of the supply chamber, and a first opening is provided on the side of the dust cover adjacent to the waiting chamber for the extraction needle to pass through.

[0021] One advantage of the disclosed wine butler is that: due to the sealing body in the extraction needle, the connection state between the needle body and the exterior of the extraction needle can be altered by changing the movement trajectory of the sealing body, providing the extraction needle with self-sealing functionality. This enables the extraction needle to remain in place within the wine bottle, utilizing its sealing function to maintain the original airtightness of the bottle even after it is disconnected from the wine butler. When the bottle is reinserted into the machine, there is no need to repeatedly insert the extraction needle, thereby avoiding damage to the airtightness of the bottle cork.

[0022] Furthermore, after an extraction needle is removed along with the wine bottle, it can be replaced with a standby extraction needle stored in the needle box. This allows for quick wine extraction when changing bottles without requiring separate installation of extraction needles - only the needle box needs to be replaced or replenished with extraction needles.Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] One or more embodiments are illustrated exemplarily in the corresponding figures, these exemplary illustrations do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the figures in the drawings are not drawn to scale. Fig. 1 is a schematic overall structure view of the wine extraction needle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the wine extraction needle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the end seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of portion A shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of guide grooves formed in the liquid guiding chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the wine extraction needle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is another structural view of the sealing body according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic overall structure view of the wine extraction needle according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the wine extraction needle according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the end seat according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the wine extraction needle according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a schematic internal structure view of the wine butler according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view of the wine butler according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a structural view of the wine extraction needle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the needle box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 16 is a structural view of the guide rail according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the guide rail according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 18 is a structural view of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 19 is a structural view of the connector in the limiting position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 20 is a structural view of the flow channel port according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 21 is a structural view of the stop assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 22 is an exploded view of the stop assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the stop assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 24 is a structural view of the mounting plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference Signs List:

[0024] Needle body 1a; end seat 2a, opening 20a, stepped surface 21a; Sealing body 3a; liquid guiding chamber 4a, sealing groove 40a, first opening 41a, second opening 42a, guide groove 43a, first inner wall surface 44a, second inner wall surface 45a; Liquid outlet port 5a; spring 6a; cover cap 7a; sealing ring 8a; Machine frame 1; Bottle fixing device 2; Drainage device 3, connector 30, insertion seat 301, insertion head 302, flow channel port 303, walking mechanism 31, lead screw 310, lead nut 311, lifting platform 312, cantilever 313, movable member 33, pressure plate 331, support body 34, limiting slot 340, second spring 35, mounting plate 36, needle box mounting seat 360, sliding groove 361; Liquid outlet device 4; Wine bottle 5, bottle mouth 50; Extraction needle 6, protrusion 63; Needle box 7, supply chamber 70, waiting chamber 71, notch 710, guide rail 72, groove 720, through slot 721, dust cover 73, first opening 730, first spring 74, second opening 75, flange 76. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0025] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, more detailed descriptions are provided below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," and other directional terms used in this specification indicate orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the drawings, are used merely for convenience of description and simplified explanation, and should not be construed as indicating or implying that the referenced device or element must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The words "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that elements or objects appearing before such words encompass the elements or objects listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms like "connected" or "coupled" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Unless otherwise defined, features such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" used in the embodiments of the present invention include strictly "parallel," "perpendicular," "identical" situations as well as "substantially parallel," "substantially perpendicular," "substantially identical" situations with certain allowable errors. For example, "substantially" may indicate that the difference between compared objects is within 10% or 5% of their average value. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, when the quantity of a component or element is not specifically indicated, it means that the component or element may be singular or plural, or may be understood as at least one. "At least one" means one or more, "plurality" means at least two.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in this specification are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Moreover, the technical features involved in different embodiments described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0028] The wine butler provided by embodiments of the present invention includes a bottle fixing device for securing wine bottles, an extraction needle for piercing wine bottles, and a liquid outlet device connected to the extraction needle. As shown in Figs. 1-6, the extraction needle includes a needle body 1a, an end seat 2a fixed to one end of the needle body 1a, and a sealing body 3a located inside the end seat 2a. The end seat 2a has a liquid guiding chamber 4a communicating with the needle body 1a, and a liquid outlet port 5a arranged at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4a. The sealing body 3a is movably arranged in the liquid guiding chamber 4a for sealing or opening the liquid outlet port 5a.

[0029] The needle body 1a is located at the top of the liquid guiding chamber 4a, and the liquid outlet port 5a is located at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4a. The liquid outlet device includes a drainage connector for mating with the end seat 2a. The drainage connector matches with the liquid outlet port 5a and is used to push the sealing body 3a through the liquid outlet port 5a, causing the sealing body 3a to separate from the liquid outlet port 5a, thereby establishing communication between the drainage connector and the liquid guiding chamber 4a through the liquid outlet port 5a.

[0030] The embodiment of the present invention achieves self-sealing functionality of the extraction needle by arranging the sealing body 3a inside the liquid guiding chamber 4a, which can control the open / closed state of the liquid outlet port 5a by changing the movement trajectory of the sealing body 3a.

[0031] This allows the extraction needle to remain in the wine bottle when the bottle is removed from the machine, utilizing the needle's sealing function to maintain the original airtightness of the bottle even after disconnection from the machine. When the bottle is reinserted into the machine, there is no need to repeatedly insert the extraction needle, avoiding damage to the airtightness of the bottle cork.

[0032] This approach removes limitations on the number of times the extraction needle can be used, effectively ensuring cork airtightness and wine quality even after multiple insertions. Compared to traditional extraction methods, it supports more flexible bottled wine usage and sales approaches.

[0033] For example, when using a single wine butler, traditional extraction methods would weaken the airtightness of bottled wine with each sale of different wines. This limited the number of times bottled wine could be accessed and sold, significantly restricting the flexibility of portioned wine sales and preventing flexible wine quantity supply to customers.

[0034] However, with the self-sealing extraction needle, the airtightness of each bottle is not compromised by increased extraction frequency, effectively maintaining wine quality. This enables precise retail sales of large quantities of bottled wine. During each portioned sale, customers can easily be provided with specific milliliter quantities of specific wines. Customers can conveniently purchase a single glass from any bottle, with freedom to choose the quantity of each glass.

[0035] In this embodiment, an elastic member is provided in the liquid guiding chamber 4a for pressing the sealing body 3a toward the liquid outlet port 5a. In the unused state (not connected to the drainage connector), the elastic member keeps the sealing body 3a sealed at the liquid outlet port 5a, maintaining the port in a closed state. When the drainage connector is inserted into the liquid outlet port 5a, it pushes the sealing body 3a to move in the direction compressing the elastic member, establishing communication between the liquid outlet port 5a and the liquid guiding chamber 4a. When the drainage connector separates from the end seat 2a, the elastic member returns the sealing body 3a toward the liquid outlet port 5a, sealing it and restoring the closed state.

[0036] This achieves self-sealing of the extraction needle, ensuring that when the bottle is disconnected from the wine butler, the retained extraction needle maintains its sealed state.

[0037] In this embodiment, the elastic member is a spring 6a, with one end abutting against the top of the liquid guiding chamber 4a and the other end abutting against the end of the sealing body 3a facing away from the liquid outlet port 5a. The elastic member in this embodiment is not limited to springs but can be other devices capable of performing the same function, such as elastic spring plates or silicone columns.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 7, the sealing body 3a has a sealing portion 31a on the side facing the liquid outlet port 5a, and the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4a has a sealing groove 40a matching with the sealing portion 31a, with the liquid outlet port 5a communicating with the sealing groove 40a. The sealing portion 31a can be partially or fully embedded into the sealing groove 40a, with the liquid outlet port 5a located at the bottom of the sealing groove 40a.

[0039] This arrangement requires only that the sealing portion 31a of the sealing body 3a matches structurally with the sealing groove 40a, while the structure of the sealing body 3a opposite to the sealing portion 31a is unrestricted. By providing the sealing groove 40a at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4a, the contact surface area between the sealing body 3a and the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4a is increased, thereby improving the sealing effect of the sealing body 3a on the liquid outlet port 5a.

[0040] To ensure that the sealing body 3a can enter the sealing groove 40a without angular restrictions, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the surface of the sealing portion 31a is curved, and the inner wall of the sealing groove 40a is a curved surface matching the surface of the sealing portion 31a. Thus, when the sealing body 3a contacts the sealing groove 40a, their curved surfaces provide guidance, preventing jamming due to angular deviation.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 7, the surface of the sealing portion 31a is spherical, and the sealing groove 40a can be designed as a conical structure matching the spherical surface. This conical structure provides a sphere-cone sealing surface that fits tightly with the sealing portion 31a, achieving effective self-sealing under the pressure applied by the elastic member. For convenience of description, the larger opening end of the conical structure is termed the "first opening," while the relatively smaller opening end is termed the "second opening." The first opening 41a joins with the sealing portion 31a, while the second opening 42a communicates with the liquid outlet port 5a. This arrangement provides a tighter connection between the sealing portion 31a and the sealing groove 40a, enhancing the sealing performance of the sealing body 3a.

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing body 3a can be spherical, meaning both the sealing portion and the opposite side of the sealing portion 31a are identical spherical surfaces. The radius of the sealing body 3 is r, and the inscribed circle radius of the liquid guiding chamber 4a in the radial cross-section of the needle body 1a is R, where 2R>2r>R. That is, the spherical diameter 2r of the sealing body 3a falls between the radius R and diameter 2R of this inscribed circle.

[0043] This prevents the sealing body 3 from being too small, ensuring that when the drainage connector is inserted into the liquid guiding chamber 4a, the sealing body 3 moves upward rather than laterally towards the sides of the sealing groove 40a, which would affect the flow rate through the liquid outlet port 5.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, several guide grooves 43a can be formed on the inner wall surface of the liquid guiding chamber 4a. These guide grooves 43a can increase the cross-sectional area, thereby enhancing liquid flow. The specific arrangement and number of guide grooves 43a can be set or adjusted according to practical requirements.

[0045] Fig. 5 exemplarily shows four guide grooves arranged in a cross pattern. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other quantities and arrangement patterns are possible.

[0046] For convenience of description and explanation, the inner wall surface of the liquid guiding chamber 4a with guide grooves 43a can be divided into a "first inner wall surface 44a" and a "second inner wall surface 45a." The first inner wall surface 44a refers to the inner wall surface without guide grooves 43a, closer to the edge of the first opening 41a, while the second inner wall surface 45a refers to the inner wall surface with guide grooves 43a, relatively farther from the edge of the first opening 41a compared to the first wall surface 41a. Of course, this second wall surface 34a can also be considered as the bottom wall of the guide grooves 43a.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when using L to represent the distance between the edge of the first opening 41a of the sealing groove 40a and the first inner wall surface 44a of the liquid guiding chamber 4a, L satisfies the condition: r>L. This ensures that the force point of the sealing body 3 at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4 is located on the side wall of the sealing groove 40a, preventing the sealing body 3 from becoming stuck between the sealing groove 40a and the inner wall of the liquid guiding chamber 4a, which would prevent the sealing body 3a from returning to position and cause sealing failure of the extraction needle.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figs. 8-11, the sealing body 3a is spherical, and the bottom of the end seat 2a has an opening 20a for installing the sealing body 3a. The extraction needle also includes a cover cap 7a detachably connected to the opening 20a, with the liquid outlet port 5a formed on the surface of the cover cap 7a. The cover cap 7a is threaded to connect with the opening 20a, allowing for installation and maintenance of the sealing body 3a and spring 6a through the opening 20a.

[0049] In this embodiment, a sealing ring 8a matching the sealing body 3a is provided at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber 4a.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the end of the opening 20a connecting to the liquid guiding chamber 4a has a stepped surface 21a for fixing the sealing ring 8a, with the sealing ring 8a positioned between the cover cap 7a and the stepped surface 21a. When the cover cap 7a is tightened, the interaction between the cover cap 7a and the stepped surface 21a applies pressure to the sealing ring 8a, ensuring secure fixation of the sealing ring 8a and preventing it from loosening. The inner ring of the sealing ring 8a matches with the sealing body 3a. Thus, this embodiment achieves sealing of the liquid outlet port 5a through contact between the sealing ring 8a and the sealing body 3a, replacing the sealing groove 40a described in the previous embodiment.

[0051] When the drainage connector is inserted through the liquid outlet port 5a into the liquid guiding chamber 4a, it pushes the sealing body 3 away from the sealing ring 8a, changing the liquid outlet port 5a from a closed state to an open state.

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing groove 40a can also be provided in the cover cap 7a, allowing both the sealing groove 40a and sealing ring 8a to coexist. When the spring 6a presses the sealing body 3a toward the sealing ring 8a, the sealing ring 8a deforms under compression between the side wall of the sealing groove 40a and the sealing body 3a, causing the sealing ring 8a to extend along the inner wall surface of the sealing groove 40a, thereby enhancing the sealing level of the sealing body 3a.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 12-13, the wine butler provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a machine frame 1, a bottle fixing device 2 mounted on the machine frame 1, a drainage device 3, and a liquid outlet device 4. The bottle fixing device 2 is used to secure the wine bottle 5 and includes a locking mechanism for restricting bottle movement. The drainage device 3 is positioned opposite to the bottle fixing device 2 and is used to establish communication with the wine bottle 5 through an extraction needle 6. The drainage device 3 includes a connector 30 for communicating with the extraction needle 6 and a traversing mechanism 31 for driving the connector 30 to move toward or away from the bottle fixing device 2. As shown in Fig. 14, the extraction needle 6 includes a needle body 1a and an end seat 2a, with one end of the connector 30 communicating with the end seat 2a and the other end communicating with the liquid outlet device 4. The wine from inside the bottle 5 flows through the extraction needle and drainage device into the liquid outlet device 4, and then from the liquid outlet device 4 into glasses for consumption.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 12, 13, and 15, the wine butler also includes a needle box 7 for storing extraction needles 6. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the needle box 7 has a supply chamber 70 for storing extraction needles 6, and a waiting chamber 71 at one end for accommodating a single extraction needle 6. The waiting chamber 71 communicates with the supply chamber 70, allowing extraction needles 6 to move from the supply chamber 70 into the waiting chamber 71. The extraction needle 6 in the waiting chamber 71 can be driven by the connector 30 to move toward the bottle fixing device 2 until the extraction needle 6 pierces the bottle mouth 50 of the wine bottle 5. The supply chamber 70 can store multiple extraction needles 6.

[0055] During operation of the wine butler, the traversing mechanism 31 drives the connector 30 to contact the extraction needle 6 and moves the extraction needle 6 toward the wine bottle 5, achieving the action of piercing the wine bottle 5 with the extraction needle 6. When the wine bottle 5 is removed, the extraction needle 6 remains in the bottle mouth 50 and separates from the connector 30. When a new wine bottle 5 is inserted, sensors in the wine butler detect that the wine bottle 5 does not have an extraction needle 6, and control the traversing mechanism 31 to reset the connector 30 and drive it to contact another extraction needle 6. A new extraction needle 6 in the waiting chamber 71 then pierces the wine bottle 5, automatically completing the connection between the wine bottle 5 and the drainage device 3.

[0056] The wine butler disclosed in this embodiment can use standby extraction needles 6 stored in the needle box 7 to replace those removed with bottles, enabling quick wine extraction when changing bottles without requiring separate installation of extraction needles. Only replacement of the needle box 7 or replenishment of extraction needles 6 in the needle box 7 is needed.

[0057] To prevent unstable movement of extraction needles 6 within the supply chamber 70, as shown in Figs. 15-17, the supply chamber 70 is equipped with a guide rail 72 matching the end seat 60, and the guide rail 72 has a groove 720 matching the end seat 2a. The end seat 2a of the extraction needle 6 has a protrusion 63 matching the groove 720 of the guide rail 72, with the protrusion 63 located at the end of the end seat 2a near the needle body 1a. Through the engagement of the protrusion 63 and groove 720, the end seat 2a can move along the extension direction of the guide rail 72. The groove 720 restricts the degrees of freedom of the end seat 2a perpendicular to the guide rail 72's extension direction through the protrusion 63, providing guidance for the feeding of extraction needles 6 and preventing jumping or congestion during needle movement, thereby increasing equipment stability.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, since the extraction needle 6 is stored in the supply chamber 70 with its needle body 1a perpendicular to the guide rail 72, a through slot 721 is provided at the top of the guide rail 72 to allow movement of the needle body 1a.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, one end of the connector 30 has an insertion seat 301 for fixed connection with the end seat 2a, with an insertion head 302 at the bottom of the insertion seat 301 for inserting into the end seat 2a. The other end of the connector 30 has a drainage tube communicating with the insertion head 302. As shown in Fig. 18, the insertion seat 301 has a cavity for nesting the end seat 2a, with the insertion seat 301 located at the bottom of the cavity. When the insertion seat 301 mates with the end seat 2a, the end seat 2a nests into the cavity while the insertion head 302 inserts into the end seat 2a to communicate with the needle body 1a. This achieves both fixed connection and communication between the connector 30 and extraction needle 6 through the insertion seat 301.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 20, flow channel openings 303 are provided on the side wall at the top of the insertion head 302, so when the top of the insertion head 302 encounters obstacles, it can push them aside while liquid from the end seat 2a flows into the insertion head 302 through the flow channel openings 303, preventing blockage of the insertion head 302.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 18, the traversing mechanism 31 includes a cantilever 313 connected to the connector 30, achieving transmission connection with the connector 30 through the cantilever 313. As shown in Figs. 15-17, to prevent interference between the connector 30 and the side wall of the waiting chamber 71 when passing through, the side wall of the waiting chamber 71 has a notch 710 for the cantilever 313 to pass through.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 15, to prevent contamination of the needle body 1a by dust, the needle box 7 also includes a dust cover 73 mounted above the supply chamber 70, with a first opening 730 on the side near the waiting chamber 71 for extraction needles 6 to pass through, facilitating free movement of extraction needles 6 in and out of the waiting chamber 71.

[0063] After the extraction needle 6 in the waiting chamber 71 is used, to enable replacement from the supply chamber 70 to the waiting chamber 71, the needle box 7 also includes a feeding mechanism for pushing extraction needles 6 from the supply chamber 70 to the waiting chamber 71.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 13, the feeding mechanism includes a first spring 74 mounted at the end of the needle box 7 opposite to the waiting chamber 71. The first spring 74 provides the necessary force for extraction needles 6 in the supply chamber 70 to enter the waiting chamber 71, enabling automatic replacement.

[0065] To prevent collision between the connector 30 and replacement extraction needles 6 in the waiting chamber 71 during connector reset, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the feeding mechanism also includes a stopping assembly for releasing or blocking extraction needles 6 from entering the waiting chamber 71. The stopping assembly is positioned at the end of the supply chamber 70 adjacent to the waiting chamber 71.

[0066] When the connector 30 is positioned between the bottle fixing device 2 and the waiting chamber 71, the stopping assembly blocks extraction needles 6 from entering the waiting chamber 71; when the waiting chamber 71 is between the connector 30 and the bottle fixing device 2, the stopping assembly allows extraction needles 6 to enter the waiting chamber 71.

[0067] As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the stopping assembly includes a movable member 33 that can move relative to the supply chamber 71. The movement trajectory of the movable member 33 includes a restricting position where it contacts extraction needles 6 in the supply chamber 71 to restrict their entry into the waiting chamber 71, and a release position where it separates from the extraction needles 6 to allow their entry into the waiting chamber 71.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 19, the movable member 33 has a pressure plate 331 extending into the movement path of the connector 30. Along the connector's movement path, when the connector 30 moves away from the bottle fixing device 2 and passes the waiting chamber 71, it can engage with the pressure plate 331 to drive the movable member 33 to the release position.

[0069] In this embodiment, the bottle fixing device 2 is located above the needle box 7, and the connector 30 moves in a vertical direction. When the connector 30 moves below the waiting chamber 71 to its reset position, it drives the movable member 33 to the release position through the pressure plate 331, causing the movable member 33 to disengage from the end seat 2 of the waiting replacement needle 6, allowing it to enter the waiting chamber 71.

[0070] When the connector 30 is in its reset position, the distance between the connector 30 and the extraction needle 6 in the waiting chamber 71 is greater than the distance between the movable member 33 and the waiting replacement needle. Thus, when the connector 30 moves from its reset position toward the bottle fixing device 2, the movable member 33 simultaneously moves upward and contacts the end seat 2 of the waiting replacement needle 6, restricting its entry into the waiting chamber 71.

[0071] As the connector 30 continues moving upward, it begins to contact the extraction needle 6 in the waiting chamber 71 and drives it toward the bottle fixing device 2 until the connector 30 disengages from the pressure plate 331. The pressure plate 331 moves upward to the restricting position, and the movable member 33 stops moving accordingly.

[0072] Thus, before the connector 30 contacts the extraction needle 6 in the waiting chamber 71, the movable member 33 can block the waiting replacement needle from continuing to move toward the waiting chamber, effectively restricting its entry into the waiting chamber 71 and avoiding collision with the connector 30 during its return reset movement.

[0073] After the pressure plate 331 disengages from the connector 30, to achieve automatic reset of the movable member 33 to the restricting position, the stopping assembly includes a reset member configured to actively move the movable member 33 to the limit position in this embodiment.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Figs. 21-23, the stopping assembly includes a support body 34 for fixing the movable member 33, with the movable member 33 movably connected to the support body 34. The support body 34 has a limiting structure to restrict the movement range of the pressure plate 331. In this embodiment, the support body 31 is hollow, with the movable member 33 fitted inside the support body 34. The limiting structure includes a limiting slot 340 in the side wall of the support body 34, through which the pressure plate 331 extends to the outside of the support body 34. The reset member is a second spring 35 positioned between the movable member 33 and the support body 34.

[0075] This arrangement allows the support body 34 to support and constrain the movable member 33, limiting its movement stroke between the ends of the limiting slot 340 to achieve switching between release and restricting positions. Through precise control of the movement state of waiting replacement extraction needles 6 in the storage chamber 70, it enables both automatic replacement into the waiting chamber 71 and avoids collision with the connector 30 during reset.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 24, the drainage device 3 also includes a mounting plate 36 fixed to the machine frame 1, with both the stopping assembly and needle box 7 fixed to the mounting plate 36. The bottom of the storage chamber 70 has a second opening 75 for the movable member 33 to enter. The mounting plate 36 surface also features a needle box mounting seat 360 with a sliding groove 361, while the bottom of the needle box 7 has a matching flange 76, enabling quick installation of the needle box 7 through the engagement of the sliding groove 361 and flange 76.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 24, the traversing mechanism 31 includes a lead screw 310 fixed to the machine frame 1, a matching nut 311, and a lifting platform 312 fixed to the nut 311. The connector 30 is fixed to the lifting platform 312 through a cantilever. The traversing mechanism 31 also includes a servo motor 3 for controlling the rotation of the lead screw 310. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor, the start / stop and rotation direction of the lead screw 310 can be controlled, thereby controlling the lifting platform 312's vertical movement.

[0078] The machine frame 1 is equipped with limit switches positioned at both extreme positions of the lifting platform 312's upward and downward movement. The limit switches are electrically connected to the servo motor's control circuit. When the lifting platform 312 contacts a limit switch, the servo motor stops working until the system actively controls it to operate again. Through these limit switches, the lifting platform 312's vertical travel is controlled, thereby controlling the feeding of the extraction needle 6 and precisely controlling the depth of needle body 1a insertion into the wine bottle 5.

[0079] Furthermore, in other embodiments of the present invention, the wine bottle 5 can be fixed horizontally, with the bottle fixing device 2 and drainage device 3 distributed horizontally accordingly. In this case, the feeding direction of the traversing mechanism 31 would be adjusted to the horizontal direction.

[0080] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; under the concept of the present invention, technical features between the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, steps can be realized in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the present invention as described above, which have not been provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preceding embodiments, persons of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the preceding embodiments, or equivalently replace some technical features; these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wine butler, characterized by comprising: a machine frame (1); a bottle fixing device (2) fixed to the machine frame (1) for securing a wine bottle (5); an extraction needle (6); a liquid outlet device (4); wherein the extraction needle (6) comprises: a needle body (1a); an end seat (2a) fixed to one end of the needle body (1a), the end seat (2a) having a liquid guiding chamber (4a) communicating with the needle body (1a), and a liquid outlet port (5a) provided at the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber (4a); a sealing body (3a) movably disposed within the liquid guiding chamber (4a) for sealing or opening the liquid outlet port (5a); wherein the liquid outlet device (4) communicates with the end seat (2a) of the extraction needle (6) for conveying wine flowing out of the needle body (1a), the liquid outlet device (4) comprises a drainage connector for mating with the end seat (2a), the drainage connector fits with the liquid outlet port (5a), and the drainage connector is configured to pass through the liquid outlet port (5a) to push the sealing body (3a) thereby connecting the liquid guiding chamber (4a).

2. The wine butler according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid guiding chamber (4a) is provided with an elastic member for pressing the sealing body (3a) towards the liquid outlet port (5a); the sealing body (3a) has a sealing portion on a surface facing the liquid outlet port (5a), and the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber (4a) is provided with a sealing groove (40a) fitting with the sealing portion, the liquid outlet port (5a) communicates with the sealing groove (40a); wherein the sealing portion has a spherical surface, and the sealing groove (40a) comprises a conical structure fitting with the spherical surface; wherein a first opening (41a) of the conical structure joins with the sealing portion, and a second opening (42a) of the conical structure communicates with the liquid outlet port (5a).

3. The wine butler according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of guide grooves (43a) are provided in the liquid guiding chamber (4a), wherein the guide grooves (43a) define a first inner wall surface (44a) and a second inner wall surface (45a) in the liquid guiding chamber (4a); wherein the first inner wall surface (44a) is the wall surface where no guide groove is formed in the liquid guiding chamber; the second wall surface (45a) is the bottom wall of the guide grooves; the sealing body (3a) is spherical, the radius of the spherical sealing body is r, and the distance L between the edge of the first opening (41a) of the conical structure and the first inner wall surface (44a) of the liquid guiding chamber (4a) satisfies r > L.

4. The wine butler according to claim 2, characterized in that the sealing body (3a) is spherical, the radius of the sealing body is r, the radius of the inscribed circle of the sealing groove (40a) in the radial section of the needle body is R, wherein 2R > 2r > R.

5. The wine butler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing body (3a) is spherical, the bottom of the end seat (2a) is provided with an opening (20a) for installing the sealing body (3a), and the extraction needle (6) further comprises a cover cap (7a) detachably connected to the opening (20a), wherein the liquid outlet port (5a) is formed in the cover cap (7a).

6. The wine butler according to claim 5, characterized in that the bottom of the liquid guiding chamber (4a) is provided with a sealing ring (8a) fitting with the sealing body (3a); a stepped surface (21a) for fixing the sealing ring (8a) is provided at the end where the opening connects with the liquid guiding chamber (4a), and the sealing ring (8a) is located between the cover cap (7a) and the stepped surface (21a).

7. The wine butler according to claim 1, characterized in that the wine butler further comprises: a drainage device (3) disposed opposite to the bottle fixing device (2) for communicating with the wine bottle (5) through the extraction needle (6), the drainage device (3) comprising a connector (30) for connecting with the extraction needle (6), and a walking mechanism (31) for driving the connector (30) to move towards or away from the bottle fixing device (2); a needle box (7) having a supply chamber (70) for storing the extraction needles, one end of the needle box (7) having a waiting chamber (71) for accommodating a single extraction needle, wherein the waiting chamber (71) communicates with the supply chamber (70), such that the extraction needle (6) enters the waiting chamber from the supply chamber, and the extraction needle (6) in the waiting chamber (71) is driven by the connector (30) to move towards the bottle fixing device (2) to pierce the bottle mouth (50).

8. The wine butler according to claim 7, characterized in that the needle box (7) is further provided with a feeding mechanism for pushing the extraction needle from the supply chamber (70) to the waiting chamber (71); the feeding mechanism comprises a first spring (74) provided at the end of the needle box away from the waiting chamber (71).

9. The wine butler according to claim 8, characterized in that the feeding mechanism further comprises a stop assembly for releasing or blocking the extraction needle (6) from entering the waiting chamber (71), the stop assembly being disposed at the end of the supply chamber adjacent to the waiting chamber (71); when the connector (30) is located between the bottle fixing device (2) and the waiting chamber (71), the stop assembly blocks the extraction needle from entering the waiting chamber (71); when the waiting chamber (71) is located between the connector (30) and the bottle fixing device (2), the stop assembly allows the extraction needle to enter the waiting chamber; wherein the stop assembly comprises a movable member (33) movable relative to the supply chamber (70), and a movement track of the movable member (33) comprises a limiting position where it contacts the extraction needle in the supply chamber (70) to restrict its entry into the waiting chamber (71), and a release position where it separates from the extraction needle to allow its entry into the waiting chamber (71).

10. The wine butler according to claim 9, characterized in that the movable member has a pressure plate (331) extending to the movement track of the connector, on the connector movement track, when the connector moves away from the bottle fixing device (2) and passes through the waiting chamber (71), the connector (30) transmits connection with the pressure plate (331) to drive the movable member to move to the release position; wherein the stop assembly further comprises: a reset member for actively moving the movable member to the limiting position when the pressure plate separates from the connector (30).

11. The wine butler according to claim 10, characterized in that the stop assembly further comprises a support body (34) for fixing the movable member (33), the movable member (33) being movably connected to the support body (34), the support body (34) having a limiting structure for limiting the movement range of the pressure plate (331); wherein the support body (34) is a hollow structure, the movable member (33) is fitted within the support body (34), the limiting structure comprises a limiting slot (340) formed in the side wall of the support body (34), the pressure plate (331) extends to the outside of the support body (34) through the limiting slot (340); the reset member is a second spring (35) disposed between the movable member (33) and the support body (34).

12. The wine butler according to claim 1, characterized in that the end seat of the extraction needle is provided with a protrusion (63), and the supply chamber (70) is further provided with a guide rail (72) matching with the end seat (2a), the guide rail (72) has a groove matching with the end seat; wherein the protrusion (63) matches with a groove (720) of the guide rail (72), the protrusion (63) is located at the end of the end seat (2a) adjacent to the needle body (1a); the end seat (2a) is movable along the extension direction of the guide rail (72), the groove (720) limits the degrees of freedom of the end seat perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide rail; a through slot (721) for needle body movement is formed at the top of the guide rail (72).

13. The wine butler according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the connector (30) is provided with an insertion seat (301) for fixedly connecting the end seat (2a), the bottom of the insertion seat (301) is provided with an insertion head (302) for inserting into the end seat (2a), and the other end of the connector (30) is provided with a drainage tube communicating with the insertion head (302).

14. The wine butler according to claim 1, characterized in that the walking mechanism comprises a cantilever (313) connecting the connector (30), and the side wall of the waiting chamber (70) is provided with a notch for the cantilever (313) to pass through.

15. The wine butler according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle box (7) further comprises a dust cover (73) covering the top of the supply chamber (70), and a first opening (730) is provided on the side of the dust cover (73) adjacent to the waiting chamber (71) for the extraction needle (6) to pass through.

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