Needle distributor

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a needle distributor comprising: a needle-mounted unit provided with needles; a rotary body which accommodates the needle-mounted unit and is rotatable about a first rotary shaft; a cam body which is rotatable about the first rotary shaft and rotates relative to the rotary body; and a base body which accommodates the rotary body and the cam body and can be mounted on a portafilter, wherein the needle-mounted unit has a distance from the first rotary shaft, the distance varying depending on the rotation of the cam body.

Description

Needle Distributor

[0001] The present invention relates to a needle distributor.

[0002] The espresso extraction process involves several steps, and precise execution at each stage can significantly impact the quality of the final espresso. The espresso extraction process can be roughly divided into the following stages: grinding the coffee beans, dosing the grounds into a portafilter, tamping, which evenly compresses the coffee grounds, and finally, the espresso extraction using the portafilter.

[0003] Here, after the dosing step, a process of mixing the ground coffee beans by hand or using a tool to evenly distribute them in the portafilter may be necessary.

[0004] If the ground coffee beans are not evenly filled in the portafilter or are distributed in different densities, and tamping and pressure are applied to extract the coffee, a channeling phenomenon may occur where water flows down from the area with the least coffee beans to the area with the lowest density.

[0005] When this channeling occurs, you cannot achieve a balanced coffee flavor and the ratio of under- and over-extraction can increase.

[0006] Therefore, to prevent channeling, a needle distributor is used as a tool to evenly distribute the coffee grounds by loosening them so that they are not partially clumped together.

[0007] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present invention or acquired in the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a needle distributor capable of evenly distributing coffee bean powder in a portafilter to improve uniformity.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a needle distributor including a needle mounting unit having a needle, a rotary body that accommodates the needle mounting unit and is rotatable around a first rotational axis, a cam body that is rotatable around the first rotational axis but rotates relatively to the rotary body, and a base body that accommodates the rotary body and the cam body and is mountable to a porta filter, wherein the needle mounting unit has a variable distance from the first rotational axis as the cam body rotates.

[0010] According to the present invention, the coffee beans in the portafilter can be evenly distributed to improve uniformity.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a needle distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are drawings for explaining an embodiment in which the needle distributor of FIG. 1 is mounted and used in a porta filter.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the grip portion removed from the needle distributor of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the needle distributor of Fig. 1 in disassembly.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the rotating body of the needle distributor of Fig. 1.

[0016] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views showing a needle mounting unit mounted on a plate of the needle distributor of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a needle mounting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a cam body according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the cam body of Fig. 10.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a cam body according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 13 is a side view showing the first gear portion of the grip portion, the second gear portion of the cam body, and the relay gear in the needle distributor of Fig. 1.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the connection relationship between the first gear portion, the second gear portion, and the relay gear of Fig. 13.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the state in which the base body of the needle distributor of Fig. 1 has been removed.

[0024] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rotating body and needle mounting unit of Fig. 15 viewed from one side.

[0025] Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining the dynamic relationship between the cam body and the needle mounting unit of the needle distributor of Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a needle distributor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the base body of the needle distributor of Fig. 18 removed.

[0028] Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the cam body of the needle distributor of Fig. 18.

[0029] Fig. 21 is a plan view showing the bottom surface of the needle distributor of Fig. 18.

[0030] Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the plate and needle mounting unit of the needle distributor of Fig. 18.

[0031] Figure 23 is a drawing showing the trajectory of a needle according to a comparative example.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing the trajectory of a needle according to the operation of a needle distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 25 is a drawing showing the trajectory of a needle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention provides a needle distributor including a needle mounting unit having a needle, a rotary body that accommodates the needle mounting unit and is rotatable around a first rotational axis, a cam body that is rotatable around the first rotational axis but rotates relatively to the rotary body, and a base body that accommodates the rotary body and the cam body and is mountable to a porta filter, wherein the needle mounting unit has a variable distance from the first rotational axis as the cam body rotates.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating body may be rotatable relative to the base body.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating body may include a plate on which the needle mounting unit is mounted and a connecting shaft that is coupled with the plate and transmits rotational force to the plate.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating body further includes a grip portion coupled to one end of the connecting shaft facing the plate, and the plate can be rotated together by rotation of the grip portion.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grip portion may include a first gear portion at a lower portion facing the cam body, the cam body may include a second gear portion corresponding to the first gear portion, and the base body may include a relay gear that transmits rotational motion of the first gear portion to the second gear portion.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the relay gear can rotate around a second rotation axis that is different from the first rotation axis.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the pitch circle of the first gear portion and the diameter of the pitch circle of the second gear portion may be different from each other.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plate may have a slit provided to allow the needle mounting unit to slide.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the needle mounting unit may be reciprocally movable along the slit.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cam body may be rotatable relative to the base body.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational angular velocity of the rotating body and the rotational angular velocity of the cam body may be different from each other.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating body and the cam body can rotate in opposite directions.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cam body may include a body portion that is rotatable by receiving power from an external source and a cam portion that is coupled to the body portion and comes into contact with at least a portion of the needle mounting unit.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion further includes a second gear portion having a plurality of gear teeth formed thereon, the second gear portion having a circular shape centered on the first rotational axis, and the cam portion may have a non-circular shape concentric with the second gear portion.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cam portion can contact the needle mounting unit to guide sliding movement of the needle mounting unit.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the needle mounting unit may have a variable distance from the center of rotation of the rotating body depending on the shape of the cam portion when the cam body rotates.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the needle mounting unit may have a protrusion on the upper end that contacts the cam portion.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the needle mounting unit includes a plurality of needles, and the plurality of needles are arranged at the bottom of the needle mounting unit, but the arrangement intervals of the plurality of needles may be different from each other.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of needle mounting units are provided, and at least one needle mounting unit among the plurality of needle mounting units may have needles arranged differently from another needle mounting unit.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the needle distributor may further include a motor that provides a driving force for rotation of at least one of the rotating body and the cam body.

[0054] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0056] These embodiments are capable of various modifications. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of these embodiments, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the detailed descriptions below, along with the drawings. However, these embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

[0057] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0058] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0059] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification exists, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0060] In the examples below, when a part such as a unit, region, or component is said to be on or above another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly above the other part, but also the case where another unit, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0061] In the examples below, terms such as connect or combine do not necessarily mean a direct and / or fixed connection or combination of two members, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and do not exclude the presence of another member between the two members.

[0062] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0063]

[0064] A portafilter is a tool used to extract coffee through high-pressure water while holding ground coffee beans.

[0065] A needle distributor is a tool used together with a portafilter to improve the quality of the espresso extraction process, and plays an important role in ensuring even distribution of coffee powder and pressure.

[0066] Conventional needle distributors, such as the chimchilbong, are simply tools equipped with multiple needles, and because they mix the beans manually, the resulting product is often inconsistent. Furthermore, circular needle distributors, where multiple needles rotate around a central axis, often suffer from uneven mixing in areas where the needles are not positioned, even after multiple rotations.

[0067] A needle distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention can solve the above problem and improve the degree of distribution of coffee powder.

[0068] Hereinafter, a needle distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a needle distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 2 and 3 are drawings for explaining an embodiment in which the needle distributor of Fig. 1 is mounted and used in a porta filter. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the needle distributor of Fig. 1 with the grip portion removed, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the needle distributor of Fig. 1 in an exploded state.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a needle distributor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used by being mounted on a porta filter (PF).

[0071] Specifically, the base body (200) to be described later includes a fastening portion (211), and the needle distributor (10) can be fastened to the porta filter (PF) through the fastening portion (211).

[0072] After mounting the needle distributor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention on the porta filter (PF), when the grip part (120) is rotated, the needle mounted on the distributor evenly mixes the coffee beans dosed in the basket.

[0073] Hereinafter, a needle distributor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail through drawings.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a needle distributor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a needle mounting unit (130), a rotating body (100), a cam body (300), and a base body (200).

[0075] The base body (200) can be formed into a cylindrical shape having a size corresponding to a porta filter (PF).

[0076] And the base body (200) can accommodate a rotating body (100), a cam body (300), and a relay gear (400) to be described later.

[0077] Additionally, the lower portion of the base body (200) may include a fastening portion (211) that is fastened to a porta filter (PF). Specifically, the fastening portion (211) may be formed in a protruding shape extending downward from the lower portion of the base body (200).

[0078] And a plurality of fastening parts (211) can be formed along the periphery of the base body (200). In addition, a plurality of fastening parts (211) can be formed to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

[0079] In other words, a spaced apart may be formed between one fastening portion (211) and another adjacent fastening portion (211). Therefore, when the needle distributor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a porta filter (PF), the blades of the porta filter (PF) may be interposed in the spaced apart and engage between the fastening portions (211).

[0080] Meanwhile, the base body (200) may include a through-hole (221) into which a connecting shaft (112) is inserted so that the rotating body (100) described later can rotate within the base body (200).

[0081] And when the base body (200) is viewed from above, a penetration portion (221) can be arranged at the center of the base body (200). That is, the connecting shaft (112) can rotate about its axis at the center of the base body (200). Here, the central axis around which the connecting shaft (112) rotates will be described as the first rotation axis.

[0082] In addition, the base body (200) may include a support member (222) that supports the penetration member (221). Here, the support member (222) may extend from one side of the upper surface of the base body (200) toward the center of the base body (200) and be connected to the penetration member (221). In one embodiment, the support member (222) may be formed to extend to both sides with the penetration member (221) as the center.

[0083] Additionally, the base body (200) may include a relay gear shaft (410) and a shaft mounting portion (230).

[0084] The shaft support portion (230) may be formed by extending from the upper surface of the base body (200) as a portion that supports the relay gear shaft (410). Alternatively, it may be joined to the upper surface of the base body (200) as a separate member.

[0085] The relay gear shaft (410) can serve as a rotation axis so that the relay gear (400) can rotate. Here, the central axis of the relay gear shaft (410) will be described as the second rotation axis.

[0086] The second rotation axis may be a different axis from the first rotation axis. Specifically, the second rotation axis may be formed to have a predetermined angle with the first rotation axis. Specifically, the second rotation axis may be orthogonal to the first rotation axis.

[0087] For example, the relay gear shaft (410) may be arranged to connect the through-hole (221) and the shaft mounting portion (230). For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the relay gear shaft (410) may be arranged to be orthogonal to the connecting shaft (112). However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the relay gear shaft (410) may be arranged at various angles depending on the arrangement structure of the relay gear (400). The relay gear (400) included in the needle distributor (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail later.

[0088] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the rotating body (100) of the needle distributor (10) of Fig. 1. Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the needle mounting unit (130) mounted on the plate (110) of the needle distributor (10) of Fig. 1.

[0089] The rotating body (100) can accommodate a needle mounting unit (130) as a configuration accommodated internally in the base body (200). In addition, the rotating body (100) can be rotated around a first rotation axis.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the rotating body (100) may include a plate (110), a grip portion (120), and a connecting shaft (112).

[0091] The plate (110) is a portion on which the needle mounting unit (130) is mounted, and may be formed in a circular plate shape. Specifically, the plate (110) may be formed in a size corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the base body (200) so that it can be accommodated in the internal space of the base body (200). It goes without saying that the plate (110) may be formed not only in a circular plate shape but also in various thicknesses and shapes on which the needle mounting unit (130) may be mounted.

[0092] The plate (110) may include a slit (111). The slit (111) may be formed into a structure in which a needle mounting unit (130) is mounted and can slide.

[0093] In one embodiment, the slit (111) may be formed from the outer surface of the plate (110) toward the center. For example, the slit (111) may be formed in a straight line from the outer surface of the plate (110) toward the center, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the slit (111) may also be formed in a curved shape.

[0094] In addition, the slit (111) may be formed from the outer surface of the plate (110) toward the inside of the plate (110), but may not necessarily be directed toward the center. In other words, the slit (111) may be formed from the outer part of the plate (110) toward the inside part, but may not necessarily be directed toward the center. That is, the slit (111) may be formed to extend from the outer surface of the plate (110) to a part that is slightly off from the center of the plate (110).

[0095] In one embodiment, the plate (110) may include a plurality of slits (111). Specifically, the plurality of slits (111) may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the plate (110). The plurality of slits (111) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals.

[0096] Although the drawing shows that four slits (111) are formed in the plate (110), the spirit of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the number of slits (111) may be formed in various ways. In addition, a plurality of slits (111) may be arranged asymmetrically.

[0097] The connecting shaft (112) can be connected to the plate (110). Specifically, one end of the connecting shaft (112) can be connected to the center of the plate (110) and the other end can be connected to the grip portion (120).

[0098] To explain this from another perspective, the connecting shaft (112) can connect the grip portion (120) and the plate (110). The connecting shaft (112) can be coupled to the plate (110), but the connecting shaft (112) and the plate (110) can be formed as one piece.

[0099] The connecting shaft (112) can function as a central axis around which the rotating body (100) rotates. That is, the plate (110) can rotate with the connecting shaft (112) as the axis of rotation.

[0100] Meanwhile, the grip portion (120) may be connected to the other end of the connecting shaft (112). For example, a fastening area (123) to which the connecting shaft (112) can be coupled may be formed in the grip portion (120). The fastening area (123) may be in the shape of a hole penetrating the grip portion (120). The fastening area (123) may be formed at the center of the grip portion (120).

[0101] The grip portion (120) may be configured to be combined with the connecting shaft (112), but may also be formed as an integral part with the connecting shaft (112) and the plate (110).

[0102] The grip portion (120) can be formed to be easily gripped by the user. For example, a rough portion can be formed on the outer surface of the grip portion (120) to provide an anti-slip function.

[0103] As described above, the grip portion (120) is connected to the connecting shaft (112), so that when the user holds and rotates the grip portion (120), the plate (110) can also rotate.

[0104] Therefore, by manipulating the grip portion (120), the plate (110) and the needle mounting unit (130) mounted on the plate (110) can rotate together. This will be described in detail later.

[0105] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a needle mounting unit (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] A needle mounting unit (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a needle coupling portion (131), a slit insertion portion (132), a sliding portion (133), and a protrusion portion (134).

[0107] The needle mounting unit (130) can be inserted into the slit (111) of the plate (110) described above and mounted on the plate (110). Specifically, the needle mounting unit (130) can be inserted into the slit (111) through a slit insertion portion (132) structure formed between the needle coupling portion (131) and the sliding portion (133).

[0108] Meanwhile, the needle coupling portion (131), the slit insertion portion (132), and the sliding portion (133) may be formed as a single body. In other words, the needle mounting unit (130) is formed as a single body, and the needle coupling portion (131), the slit insertion portion (132), and the sliding portion (133) may be names distinguished according to the shape or function of each portion of the needle mounting unit (130).

[0109] One or more needles (140) may be coupled to the lower end of the needle coupling portion (131). Here, the needles (140) may substantially perform the function of evenly mixing the ground coffee beans of the portafilter (PF). One or more needles (140) may be arranged at different intervals on the needle coupling portion (131).

[0110] A slit insertion portion (132) may be formed at the upper end of the needle joint portion (131). And a sliding portion (133) may be formed at the upper end of the slit insertion portion (132).

[0111] Here, the slit insertion portion (132) is a portion inserted into the slit (111), and the width of the slit insertion portion (132) can be formed to correspond to the width of the slit (111). In addition, the widths of the sliding portion (133) and the needle coupling portion (131) can be formed to be wider than the width of the slit insertion portion (132). To explain this from another perspective, the needle coupling portion (131) and the sliding portion (133) can be formed to be wider than the width of the slit (111).

[0112] To explain this from another perspective, a space can be formed between the needle coupling portion (131) and the sliding portion (133) of the needle mounting unit (130) by having a narrower slit insertion portion (132) between them. That is, a guide groove of a certain depth can be formed between the needle coupling portion (131) and the sliding portion (133).

[0113] When inserting the needle mounting unit (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention into the plate (110), the slit insertion portion (132) is inserted into the slit (111), and the sliding portion (133) located at the upper end of the slit insertion portion (132) can be located at the upper end of the plate (110). In addition, the needle coupling portion (131) located at the lower end of the slit insertion portion (132) can be located at the lower end of the plate (110). Therefore, the plate (110) can be placed between the sliding portion (133) and the needle coupling portion (131).

[0114] Accordingly, after the needle mounting unit (130) is inserted into the slit (111), the lower surface of the sliding portion (133) may come into contact with the upper surface of the plate (110), and the upper surface of the needle coupling portion (131) may come into contact with the lower surface of the plate (110). Through the above structure, after the needle mounting unit (130) is mounted on the slit (111), the needle mounting unit (130) may perform translational movement along the longitudinal direction of the slit (111), but movement in other directions may be restricted. That is, since the needle mounting unit (130) is restricted from moving up and down with respect to the plate (110), detachment from the plate (110) may be prevented.

[0115] Meanwhile, a protrusion (134) may be provided on the upper part of the sliding part (133). The protrusion (134) may be a member that is joined to the sliding part (133), but may also be formed as an integral part with the sliding part (133).

[0116] The protrusion (134) is a part that comes into contact with the cam section (320) of the cam unit to be described later, and this will be described in detail later.

[0117] As shown in the drawing, two protrusions (134) may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the needle mounting unit (130), but this is not necessarily limited to this and only one protrusion (134) may be present.

[0118] Here, the protrusion (134) is depicted as having a cylindrical shape, but the shape and size of the protrusion (134) can be formed in various ways.

[0119] In another embodiment, the protrusion (134) may be a rotating member such as a bearing rather than a member fixed to the sliding member (133).

[0120] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a cam body (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the cam body (300) of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a cam body (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cam body (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a member that rotates around a rotational axis, such as the rotational body (100).

[0122] Specifically, the cam body (300) can be placed on a plate (110). And the cam body (300) can rotate relative to the rotating body (100).

[0123] The cam body (300) may include a body part that is rotatable by receiving power from the outside and a cam part (320) that is connected to the body part and comes into contact with at least a part of the needle mounting unit.

[0124] Here, the method by which power is transmitted to the cam body (300) may vary. For example, power may be transmitted to the cam body (300) via a gear, pulley, timing belt, etc., thereby allowing the cam portion (320) to rotate. Specifically, the body portion may further include a portion where a plurality of gear teeth are formed. However, the following description will focus on an embodiment in which the cam body (300) includes a second gear portion (310).

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the cam body (300) may include a cam portion (320), a second gear portion (310), and a shaft coupling portion (313).

[0126] The cam portion (320) may be formed in a shape close to a circle. In addition, the cam portion (320) may be formed to have a larger outer diameter than the second gear portion (310) described later.

[0127] However, the second gear part (310) may have a circular shape, but the cam part (320) may have a non-circular shape concentric with the second gear part (310).

[0128] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the cam portion (320) may be oval-shaped. Alternatively, the cam portion (320) may be a free-form shape in which one section includes a rounded protrusion, such as a cam lobe.

[0129] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the cam portion (320) may be shaped in a circular or circle shape with the center of the circle eccentrically spaced from the rotational axis of the cam body (300).

[0130] In other words, the center (C2) of the second gear portion (310) and the center (C3) of the cam portion (320) may be different. The center of the second gear portion (310) coincides with the center of the cam body (300), but the center of the cam portion (320) may be different from the center of the cam body (300).

[0131] A plurality of gear teeth (311) may be formed in the second gear portion (310). The second gear portion (310) may have a circular shape centered on the first rotation axis.

[0132] The second gear portion (310) may be positioned at a higher position than the cam portion (320). That is, the cam portion (320) may be formed at a lower portion of the cam body (300) and the second gear portion (310) may be formed at an upper portion of the cam body (300).

[0133] The second gear portion (310) may be formed on the inside of the cam body (300) so as to be closer to the center of the cam body (300) than the cam portion (320).

[0134] The gear teeth (311) of the second gear portion (310) may be formed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the cam body (300) or in a direction close thereto. For example, when the cam body (300) is coupled to the needle distributor (10), the gear teeth (311) of the second gear portion (310) may be formed to protrude in a direction toward the grip portion (120). To explain this from another perspective, the gear teeth (311) of the second gear portion (310) may be formed to face the gear teeth (122) of the first gear portion (121) described later.

[0135] Meanwhile, a shaft coupling portion (313) may be formed at the center of the cam body (300). The shaft coupling portion (313) is a portion that is coupled to the connecting shaft (112) of the above-described rotating body (100), and may have a perforated shape with an interior through which the connecting shaft (112) can be inserted.

[0136] And the shaft coupling portion (313) can be connected to the second gear portion (310) or cam portion (320) through a spoke.

[0137] Below, the rotational movement of the cam body (300) according to the rotation of the grip portion (120) will be described.

[0138] Fig. 13 is a side view showing the first gear portion (121) of the grip portion (120) of the needle distributor (10) of Fig. 1, the second gear portion (310) of the cam body (300), and the relay gear (400). Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the connection relationship between the first gear portion (121), the second gear portion (310), and the relay gear (400) of Fig. 13.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the grip portion (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first gear portion (121). Here, the first gear portion (121) may also be referred to as a grip portion (120) gear portion.

[0140] And the first gear portion (121) may include a plurality of gear teeth (122). The gear teeth (122) of the first gear portion (121) may extend and protrude toward the second gear portion (310). In other words, the gear teeth (122) of the first gear portion (121) may be formed to protrude in a direction parallel to the first rotational axis. To explain this from another perspective, the gear teeth (122) of the first gear portion (121) may be formed to protrude to face the gear teeth (311) of the second gear portion (310).

[0141] A relay gear (400) may be interposed between the first gear portion (121) and the second gear portion (310). The relay gear (400) may transmit the rotational motion of the first gear portion (121) to the second gear portion (310). Specifically, the relay gear (400) may have gear teeth formed at one end and the other end based on the longitudinal direction. For example, when the relay gear (400) is arranged on the base body (200), and a part close to the rotational axis is defined as one end of the relay gear (400) and a part far from the rotational axis is defined as the other end of the relay gear (400), the gear teeth (412) formed at one end of the relay gear (400) may mesh with the gear teeth (311) of the second gear portion (310).

[0142] Additionally, the gear teeth (411) formed at the other end of the relay gear (400) can mesh with the gear teeth (122) of the first gear portion (121).

[0143] By the structure as above, the direction in which the second gear part (310) rotates may be different from the direction in which the first gear part (121) rotates. That is, the second gear part (310) may rotate in the opposite direction to the first gear part (121). For example, when the user rotates the grip part (120) clockwise, the first gear part (121) of the grip part (120) rotates clockwise, and the second gear part (310) rotates counterclockwise by the relay gear (400).

[0144] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the needle distributor (10) may further include a motor (not shown) that transmits rotational force to the rotating body (100), a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the motor, and a switch (not shown) that can connect or cut off the power.

[0145] That is, the rotating body (100) is rotated by the motor, and the rotation of the first gear part (121) can cause the rotation of the second gear part (310).

[0146] Of course, it is also possible to cause rotation of the second gear unit (310) by having the relay gear connected to the motor and receiving rotational power directly from the motor to rotate the relay gear.

[0147] Meanwhile, the first gear portion (121) may be formed in a circular shape centered on the first rotation axis. In other words, the first gear portion (121) may be formed in a circular shape having the same center as the grip portion (120).

[0148] The diameter of the first gear portion (121) and the diameter of the second gear portion (310) may also be different. To explain this from another perspective, the diameter of the pitch circle of the first gear portion (121) may be different from the diameter of the pitch circle of the second gear portion (310).

[0149] In one embodiment, the first gear portion (121) may have a larger diameter than the second gear portion (310) described above. To explain this from another perspective, the diameter (R2) of the pitch circle of the first gear portion (121) may be larger than the diameter (R1) of the pitch circle of the second gear portion (310).

[0150] Accordingly, the rotational angular velocity of the first gear portion (121) and the rotational angular velocity of the second gear portion (310) may be different from each other. In other words, the rotational angular velocity of the grip portion (120) and the rotational angular velocity of the cam body (300) may be different from each other. To explain this from another perspective, the rotational angular velocity of the rotating body (100) and the rotational angular velocity of the cam body (300) may be different from each other.

[0151] For example, while the rotating body (100) rotates once, the cam body (300) can rotate twice.

[0152] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needle distributor (10) may have a rotational angular velocity ratio of the rotating body (100) and the cam body (300) of 1:1 to 1:4. Specifically, the rotational angular velocity ratio of the rotating body (100) and the cam body (300) may be 1:1.1 to 1:1.9.

[0153] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the state in which the base body (200) of the needle distributor (10) of Fig. 1 is removed. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rotating body (100) and the needle mounting unit (130) of Fig. 15 as viewed from one side. Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining the dynamic relationship between the cam body (300) of the needle distributor (10) of Fig. 1 and the needle mounting unit (130).

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, as described above, the first gear portion (121) included in the grip portion (120) can transmit rotational force to the second gear portion (310) included in the cam body (300) through the relay gear (400).

[0155] In addition, since the grip portion (120) is connected to the plate (110) through the connecting shaft (112), rotation of the grip portion (120) can immediately cause rotation of the plate (110).

[0156] In other words, as the grip portion (120) rotates, the cam body (300) and the plate (110) can rotate simultaneously.

[0157] To explain this more specifically, as the grip part (120) rotates, the cam body (300) rotates in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the grip part (120), and as a result, the cam body (300) can rotate in the opposite direction to the plate (110).

[0158] For example, when the grip portion (120) is rotated clockwise, the plate (110) can rotate clockwise, but the cam body (300) can rotate counterclockwise.

[0159] At this time, the cam body (300) can rotate to move the needle mounting unit (130) mounted on the plate (110). Below, the dynamic relationship between the cam body (300) and the needle mounting unit (130) will be described in detail.

[0160] The cam portion (320) can be in contact with at least a portion of the needle mounting unit (130). Specifically, the cam portion (320) can be in contact with the protrusion (134) of the needle mounting unit (130).

[0161] As shown in FIG. 16, referring to the cross-sectional shape of the cam body (300), a portion of the cam portion (320) may be interposed between two protrusions (134) of the needle mounting unit (130).

[0162] Therefore, when the cam body (300) rotates, the cam portion (320) can come into contact with the protrusion (134) between the two protrusions (134).

[0163] And the cam (320) can contact the needle mounting unit (130) and guide the sliding movement of the needle mounting unit (130).

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as the cam body (300) rotates, a region far from the center of rotation and a region close to the center of rotation in the cam section (320) may alternately come into contact with the protrusion (134).

[0165] Specifically, the protrusion (134) can be referred to as a first protrusion (134a) positioned at a relatively close distance from the connecting shaft (112) and a second protrusion (134b) positioned at a relatively far distance from the connecting shaft (112).

[0166] And the inner surface of the cam portion (320) that can come into contact with the first protrusion (134a) can be referred to as the first contact surface (320a), and the outer surface of the cam portion (320) that can come into contact with the second protrusion (134b) can be referred to as the second contact surface (320b).

[0167] And the cam (320) can come into contact with the first protrusion (134a) or the second protrusion (134b).

[0168] Here, as the cam body (300) rotates, the contact surface of the cam portion (320) that comes into contact with the protrusion (134) can change.

[0169] Specifically, in the case of an elliptical cam portion (320), as the cam body (300) rotates, the portion of the cam portion (320) that comes into contact with the protrusion (134) can change from a short axis portion corresponding to the short axis of the cam portion (320) to a long axis portion corresponding to the long axis of the cam portion (320), and then change again from the long axis portion to the short axis portion.

[0170] At this time, as the part of the cam (320) that comes into contact with the protrusion (134) moves from the short axis to the long axis, the second contact surface (320b) that comes into contact with the second protrusion (134b) can push the second protrusion (134b) away from the center. Accordingly, the needle mounting unit (130) moves along the slit (111), and eventually the needle mounting unit (130) can move away from the center of the plate (110).

[0171] Conversely, as the portion of the cam (320) that comes into contact with the protrusion (134) moves from the long axis to the short axis, the first contact surface (320a) that comes into contact with the first protrusion (134a) can push the first protrusion (134a) inward toward the center. Accordingly, the needle mounting unit (130) moves along the slit (111), and eventually the needle mounting unit (130) can come closer to the center of the plate (110).

[0172] And at the moment when the protrusion (134) comes into contact with the shortest or longest axis of the cam (320), the contact surface of the cam (320) that comes into contact with the protrusion (134) can be changed between the first contact surface (320a) and the second contact surface (320b).

[0173] In this way, the needle mounting unit (130) can reciprocate along the slit (111) by rotation of the cam body (300).

[0174] To explain this from another perspective, the distance of the needle mounting unit (130) from the center of rotation of the rotating body (100) can change depending on the shape of the cam portion when the cam body (300) rotates.

[0175] And as shown in Fig. 17, when a plurality of needle mounting units (130) are provided, each needle mounting unit (130) can reciprocate along the slit (111).

[0176] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the needle mounting unit (130) may further include an elastic body (not shown). Although not shown in the drawing, one end of the elastic body may be coupled to one area of ​​the needle mounting unit (130), and the other end may be coupled to one area of ​​the plate (110).

[0177] And the elastic body can apply force to the needle mounting unit (130) in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the cam (320) applies force to push the needle mounting unit (130) outward, and the elastic body applies force to pull the needle mounting unit (130) inward, so that the needle mounting unit (130) can continuously reciprocate. In this case, the needle mounting unit (130) may include only one protrusion (134). That is, there may only be a protrusion (134) positioned outside the cam (320).

[0178] Conversely, the elastic body can apply a force to the needle mounting unit (130) in a direction away from the rotation axis. Therefore, the cam portion (320) applies a force to push the needle mounting unit (130) inward, and the elastic body applies a force to push the needle mounting unit (130) outward, thereby allowing the needle mounting unit (130) to continuously reciprocate. In this case, the needle mounting unit (130) may include only one protrusion (134). That is, there may only be a protrusion (134) positioned inward of the cam portion (320).

[0179]

[0180] Hereinafter, a needle distributor (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The needle distributor (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a different configuration of the first gear portion (1121), the second gear portion (1310), and the relay gear (1400) compared to the needle distributor (10) according to the previously described embodiment (see 10 of FIG. 1, etc.). This different configuration will be described in detail later.

[0181] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a needle distributor (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a state where the base body (1200) of the needle distributor (20) of Fig. 18 is removed. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a cam body (1300) of the needle distributor (20) of Fig. 18. Fig. 21 is a plan view showing the bottom surface of the needle distributor (20) of Fig. 18. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a plate (1110) and a needle mounting unit (1130) of the needle distributor (20) of Fig. 18.

[0182] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 22, a needle distributor (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a needle mounting unit (1130), a rotating body (1100), a cam body (1300), and a base body (1200).

[0183] Each component of the base body (1200) of the present embodiment, the plate (1110) of the rotating body (1100), etc. is substantially the same as the base body (200) and the plate (110) of the rotating body (100) described in the first embodiment described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0184] According to the present embodiment, the rotating body (1100) may include a grip portion (1120). And the grip portion (1120) may include a first gear portion (1121). In addition, the cam body (1300) may include a second gear portion (1310). Here, the first gear portion (1121) and the second gear portion (1310) may be crown gears.

[0185] The first gear part (1121) and the second gear part (1310) of the present embodiment are substantially the same as the first gear part (121) and the second gear part (310) of the previously described embodiment in the corresponding range, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0186] A needle distributor (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a relay gear (1400). The relay gear (1400) may transmit the rotational motion of the first gear portion (1121) to the second gear portion (1310).

[0187] The relay gear (1400) of the present embodiment may have gear teeth formed on the outer surface along the longitudinal direction. That is, the body (1410) of the relay gear (1400) may have a large thickness relative to its diameter, and gear teeth (1413) may be formed on the outer surface of the body (1410). For example, the relay gear (1400) may be a spur gear.

[0188] Specifically, when the relay gear (1400) is placed on the base body (1200), the relay gear (1400) may be placed such that one end in the longitudinal direction faces the center of the rotating body (1100) and the other end faces the outside. At this time, one end of the relay gear (1400) may be in contact with the second gear portion (1310), and the other end may be in contact with the first gear portion (1121).

[0189] The gear teeth (1413) formed on the body (1410) of the relay gear (1400) can mesh with the gear teeth (1311) of the second gear portion (1310). In addition, the gear teeth (1413) formed on the body (1410) of the relay gear (1400) can mesh with the gear teeth (1122) of the first gear portion (1121).

[0190] Due to the structure as above, the direction in which the second gear part (1310) rotates may be different from the direction in which the first gear part (1121) rotates. That is, the second gear part (1310) may rotate in the opposite direction to the first gear part (1121).

[0191] Referring to FIG. 20, the cam body (1300) may include a cam portion (1320), a second gear portion (1310), a shaft coupling portion (1313), and a spoke (1312).

[0192] The cam body (1300) of this embodiment is substantially the same as the cam body (300) of the previously described embodiment in the corresponding range, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0193] However, according to the present embodiment, the cam portion (1320) and the second gear portion (1310) may be formed on the same plane. That is, the cam portion (1320) and the second gear portion (1310) may not be divided into the upper and lower portions of the cam body (1300). In addition, the second gear portion (1310) may be formed to have a smaller diameter than the cam portion (1320).

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a needle distributor (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a needle mounting unit (1130) mounted on a plate (1110).

[0195] Here, the needle mounting unit (1130) may include a needle coupling portion (1131), a slit insertion portion (1132), a sliding portion (1133), and a protrusion portion (1134).

[0196] The needle coupling portion (1131), slit insertion portion (1132), sliding portion (1133) and protrusion portion (1134) of the present embodiment are substantially the same as the needle coupling portion (131), slit insertion portion (132), sliding portion (133) and protrusion portion (134) of the previously described embodiment in the corresponding range, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0197] The needle mounting unit (1130) may include a plurality of needles (1140). The plurality of needles (1140) are arranged at the bottom of the needle mounting unit (1130), but the arrangement intervals of the plurality of needles (1140) may be different from each other.

[0198] According to the present embodiment, when the needle distributor (20) has a plurality of needle mounting units (1130), at least one needle mounting unit (1130) among the plurality of needle mounting units (1130) and another needle mounting unit (1130) may have needle arrangements that are different from each other.

[0199] Alternatively, the number and arrangement of needles (1140) coupled to the needle joint (1131) may be different.

[0200] Alternatively, the shape of each needle mounting unit (1130) may be different. Specifically, the size and shape of the needle coupling portion (1131) may be different. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the needle coupling portion (1131) mounted on the plate (1110) may be asymmetrical, and further, the overall arrangement shape of the needles (1140) may be asymmetrical.

[0201] Meanwhile, the needle mounting unit (1130) may be replaceable. Therefore, it is possible to work by replacing an already mounted needle mounting unit (1130) with a needle mounting unit (1130) of a different shape.

[0202] Hereinafter, the needle trajectory (TL) that appears when the needle distributor (20) according to the embodiment of the present invention is operated will be described in comparison with the needle trajectory (TL) according to the comparative embodiment.

[0203] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing a needle trajectory (TL) according to a comparative example. Fig. 24 is a drawing showing a needle trajectory (TL) according to the operation of a needle distributor (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a drawing showing a needle trajectory (TL) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] In a needle distributor according to the prior art, each needle is fixed to a rotating body, so that as the rotating body rotates, each needle rotates in a concentric circle.

[0205] Referring to Fig. 23, needles positioned at different distances from the center of rotation can trace different trajectories. However, even if the rotor rotates multiple times, the needles simply repeat the same trajectory, and where the needles are not positioned, the clumped coffee grounds may not be properly dispersed. Therefore, conventional needle distributors have difficulty evenly distributing coffee grounds in a portafilter.

[0206] Meanwhile, in the needle distributor (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, when the rotating body (1100) rotates, the needle mounting unit (1130) also rotates together with the rotating body (1100), but since the needle mounting unit (1130) moves along the slit (1111), the trajectory (TL) of the needle may not be constant.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 24, in a needle distributor (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the trajectory (TL) along which each needle (1140) passes can change as the rotating body (1100) rotates.

[0208] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the needle (1140) of the needle distributor (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can create a complex pattern of trajectories (TL).

[0209] That is, since the distance of the needle from the center of rotation continuously changes, the area within the basket through which the needle cannot pass may decrease as the rotating body (1100) rotates.

[0210] Therefore, the needle distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention can evenly distribute coffee beans in a portafilter and obtain a uniform result with respect to the coffee bean distribution.

[0211] The present invention has been described above, focusing on preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the invention.

[0212] The present invention relates to a needle distributor, and more particularly, to a structure for more uniformly distributing ground coffee beans within a portafilter used in a coffee extraction device. The needle distributor according to the present invention can minimize density variations in ground coffee beans and prevent channeling, thereby improving the extraction quality of espresso. The needle distributor can be implemented manually or by electric means, and can be utilized in the coffee-related manufacturing industry.

Claims

1. Needle mounting unit equipped with a needle; A rotating body that accommodates the above needle mounting unit and is rotatable around a first rotation axis; A cam body rotatable about the first rotation axis and rotatable relative to the rotation body; and A base body that accommodates the above rotating body and the above cam body and is mountable to a porta filter; The above needle mounting unit, A needle distributor whose distance from the first rotational axis is variable as the cam body rotates.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rotating body is a needle distributor that can rotate relatively to the base body.

3. In paragraph 1, The above rotating body, a plate on which the above needle mounting unit is mounted; and A needle distributor comprising a connecting shaft coupled to the plate and transmitting rotational force to the plate.

4. In paragraph 3, The above rotating body, Further comprising a grip portion coupled to one end of the connecting shaft facing the plate; A needle distributor in which the plate rotates together with the rotation of the grip portion.

5. In paragraph 4, The grip portion includes a first gear portion at the lower end facing the cam body, The cam body includes a second gear portion corresponding to the first gear portion, The above base body, A needle distributor including a relay gear that transmits the rotational motion of the first gear portion to the second gear portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above relay gear is a needle distributor that rotates around a second rotation axis that is different from the first rotation axis.

7. In paragraph 5, A needle distributor in which the diameter of the pitch circle of the first gear part and the diameter of the pitch circle of the second gear part are different from each other.

8. In paragraph 3, The above plate, A needle distributor having a slit through which the needle mounting unit is provided to slide.

9. In paragraph 8, A needle distributor in which the needle mounting unit can reciprocate along the slit.

10. In paragraph 1, The above cam body is a needle distributor that can rotate relatively to the above base body.

11. In paragraph 1, The rotational angular velocity of the above rotating body and the rotational angular velocity of the above cam body are different needle distributors.

12. In paragraph 11, A needle distributor in which the above rotating body and the above cam body rotate in opposite directions.

13. In paragraph 1, The above cam body, A body part that can rotate by receiving power from outside; and A needle distributor comprising a cam portion coupled to the body portion and in contact with at least a portion of the needle mounting unit.

14. In paragraph 13, The above body part, It further includes a second gear portion in which a plurality of gear teeth are formed, The above second gear part has a circular shape centered on the first rotation axis, The above cam portion is a needle distributor having a shape other than a circle concentric with the second gear portion.

15. In paragraph 13, The above cam portion is a needle distributor that comes into contact with the needle mounting unit and guides the sliding movement of the needle mounting unit.

16. In paragraph 13, The above needle mounting unit, A needle distributor whose distance from the center of rotation of the rotating body is variable depending on the shape of the cam portion when the cam body rotates.

17. In paragraph 13, The above needle mounting unit is a needle distributor having a protrusion on the upper side that contacts the cam portion.

18. In paragraph 1, The above needle mounting unit includes a plurality of needles, A needle distributor in which the plurality of needles are arranged at the bottom of the needle mounting unit, but the arrangement intervals of the plurality of needles are different from each other.

19. In paragraph 1, Equipped with multiple of the above needle mounting units, A needle distributor in which at least one needle mounting unit and another needle mounting unit among the plurality of needle mounting units have needles arranged differently from each other.

20. In paragraph 1, The above needle distributor, A needle distributor further comprising a motor providing driving force for rotation of at least one of the rotating body and the cam body.

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