EP0631484B1 - Hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container - Google Patents

Hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0631484B1
EP0631484B1 EP93906500A EP93906500A EP0631484B1 EP 0631484 B1 EP0631484 B1 EP 0631484B1 EP 93906500 A EP93906500 A EP 93906500A EP 93906500 A EP93906500 A EP 93906500A EP 0631484 B1 EP0631484 B1 EP 0631484B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
support surface
air
space
hood
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93906500A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0631484A1 (en
Inventor
Waldemar Kiener
Herbert Schmidt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
L and H LEMITEG LEBENSMITTEL- und FREIZEITTECHNIK GmbH
Original Assignee
L and H LEMITEG LEBENSMITTEL- und FREIZEITTECHNIK GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L and H LEMITEG LEBENSMITTEL- und FREIZEITTECHNIK GmbH filed Critical L and H LEMITEG LEBENSMITTEL- und FREIZEITTECHNIK GmbH
Publication of EP0631484A1 publication Critical patent/EP0631484A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0631484B1 publication Critical patent/EP0631484B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/20Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/245Internal membrane, floating cover or the like isolating the contents from the ambient atmosphere

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an airtight sealable food storage container for organic substances, especially food, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • an airtight lockable food storage container which has a base plate and a bell-like cover, which is removably arranged on the base plate, and which encloses a storage space above the base plate on all sides.
  • a sealing element is arranged on the contact surface between the cover and the base plate.
  • a vacuum pump is connected to the storage space and can be actuated as a function of the closed state of the cover, as a result of which a vacuum is generated in the storage space.
  • a pressure compensation device is also provided, which is coupled to the storage space.
  • the lid is provided with a valve, through which air can be sucked out of the container by means of a hand pump.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a known container compared to improved fresh food containers. This object is achieved by a container having the features of claim 1.
  • the airtight film Thanks to the airtight film, the space in which the negative pressure must be generated and maintained is practically on that of the volume to be kept fresh is limited. This reduces the effort for sucking out the air and maintaining the negative pressure.
  • the walls of the container need not withstand a relatively high pressure differential. Another advantage is that the cleaning of the container is simplified by the film, since this can be easily replaced.
  • the upper part of the container is designed as a hood.
  • the support surface is easily accessible, so that both the introduction of the goods into the container and the removal do not pose any difficulties.
  • the film in the unfolded state preferably has a hood shape that is at least approximately matched to the hood.
  • the film adjoins a self-contained sealing strip which, when the container is closed, is clamped between a circumferential bearing surface of the lower part for the edge surfaces of the upper part and this edge surface.
  • An additional seal between the upper part and lower part is therefore not necessary. Since the foil has to be replaced from time to time, this also ensures that a fully functional seal is always used.
  • the air pumping device is driven by an electric motor. In this way, in conjunction with a pressure sensor, it can be ensured in a simple manner that the air is always sucked out of the usable space to the extent necessary for keeping it fresh, regardless of how large the volume of the usable space is.
  • the air pumping device is preferably arranged below the contact surface, which is expediently provided by a closed, plate is tightly connected to the side wall of the lower part.
  • a particle separator is preferably arranged between the suction opening of the channel through which the air is extracted and the air pumping device.
  • the air pumping device has a preferably monostable 2-way valve which, in its one switching state, opens the first suction line leading from the pump of the air pumping device to the space delimited by the support surface and the film, and that from the pump to the of the film and the hood limited space leading second suction line closes and in the other switching position the first suction line closed and the second suction line keeps open.
  • a control device for the motor driving the pump and an electromagnet actuating the valve is connected in a preferred embodiment to a switch of a pressure sensor which activates the pump when the pressure in the work space is too high and switches it off when the negative pressure in the work space is the intended one Has reached value.
  • a switch of a pressure sensor which activates the pump when the pressure in the work space is too high and switches it off when the negative pressure in the work space is the intended one Has reached value.
  • a second Switch provided, which can be connected in series with the switch of the pressure sensor and whose switching state depends on whether the container is open or properly closed.
  • An airtight sealable fresh storage container for organic substances, in particular foodstuffs, with a cuboid-like shape in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, has a lower part 1 and a cover 2 as an upper part, both of which are dimensionally stable and consist of a plastic.
  • a clear plastic can also be used for the hood 2.
  • the lower part 1 has a flat, rectangular base plate 3, which is detachably connected to the side walls of the lower part 1 which are perpendicular to it. Slightly below the edge surface 4 of the side walls lying in a plane parallel to the base plate 3, a flat plate, parallel to the base plate 3, is formed onto the latter, the upper side of which forms the support surface 5 for the goods to be kept fresh.
  • the side walls of the hood 2 whose shape differs from that of a cuboid in the exemplary embodiment only by a bevel at the transition from the top to the front, are flush with the side walls of the lower part 1 when the hood 2 with the edge surface of its side walls on the edge surface 4 of the Side walls of the lower part 1 rests.
  • Two hinges 6 connect the lower part 1 and the hood 2 at the rear, which is why the hood 2 only has to be folded backwards to open the container and has to be folded forward to close. The user therefore need not pay attention that the hood 2 is correctly positioned when it is closed. The correct positioning is ensured by the hinges 6.
  • a tension lock 7 is provided in the center, the closing element of which overlaps a nose formed on the hood 2 during the closing process and then pulls the front wall of the hood 2 against the edge surface of the front wall of the lower part 1. All edge surfaces of the hood 2 are pressed against the edge surface 4 of the lower part 1 with sufficient force.
  • the side walls of the hood 2 have a bead-like widening along their lower edge, as a result of which the edge surface formed here is adapted to the width of the edge surface 4.
  • This widespread edge surface of the side walls of the hood 2 is provided with a circumferential groove which is open towards the edge surface 4 and into which a sealing strip 8 can be inserted.
  • the dimensions of the groove and the sealing strip 8 are chosen so that when the hood 2 is closed, the sealing strip 8 rests with pressure both on the wall of the groove and on the edge surface 4, so that when the hood 2 is closed, the container is airtight.
  • the edge of an airtight film 9 is molded onto the sealing strand 8, which in the unfolded state has a shape and size adapted to the hood 2.
  • the sealing strand 8 lying in the groove with slight clamping need only be pulled out of this groove in order to be able to clean or replace the film 9. Accordingly, only the sealing strip 8 of the cleaned or a new film 9 needs to be inserted into the groove in order to re-insert the film 9 into the one in FIG. 1 bring position shown in the hood 2.
  • the usable space i.e. the space available for the goods to be kept fresh
  • the support surface 5 opens into the support surface 5 an air suction duct 10.
  • the pipe 11 delimiting it is on the underside of the Support surface 5 formed plate.
  • a removable sieve 12 covers the mouth opening of the air extraction duct 10.
  • a tube 13 which is arranged concentrically to it but has a larger diameter, is formed at one end onto the plate forming the bearing surface 5.
  • the other end of the tube 13 pointing towards the base plate 3 plunges into a cup-shaped collecting container 14, which is inserted from below into an opening in the base plate 3 and, if necessary, can be pulled off to empty its contents.
  • a nozzle 13 'for the connection of a first suction line 15 is formed laterally on the tube 13.
  • the tubes 11 and 13 therefore form a siphon-like particle separator in which particles that are not retained by the sieve 12 are separated from the extracted air. They fall into the collecting container 14.
  • the first suction line 15 leads to a first connection of a monostable 2-way valve 16. From this connection, a normally open valve duct leads to a pump connection stub 17. A normally closed valve duct also leads from a second connection to the pump connection stub 17 , which in the exemplary embodiment is connected directly to the intake manifold of a pump 18 which is driven by an electric motor 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the first suction line 15 leads to a first connection of a monostable 2-way valve 16. From this connection, a normally open valve duct leads to a pump connection stub 17. A normally closed valve duct also leads from a second connection to the pump connection stub 17 , which in the exemplary embodiment is connected directly to the intake manifold of a pump 18 which is driven by an electric motor 19. As shown in FIG.
  • the two-way valve 16 for the two valves which are provided in one or the other valve channel, has a common valve actuating rod 20, which can be moved longitudinally in the valve housing, has a valve body 21 of one valve and a valve body 22 of the other valve, by means of which in Change the valve channel leading to the first connection or the valve channel leading to the second connection can be closed and opened.
  • the valve actuation rod 20 is actuated by means of a Electromagnet 23 pushed against the force of a return spring 24 to the right when looking as shown in FIG. 3.
  • a cylindrical magnetic flux guide body 25 arranged on the valve actuation rod 20 is then located inside the electromagnet 23.
  • the guide surfaces of the valve housing for the valve actuation rod 20, or, as in the exemplary embodiment, those of the valve actuation rod 20 are formed by longitudinal ribs, between which the air along the valve actuation rod 20 can step through.
  • the second connection of the 2-way valve 16 is connected via a second suction line 26 to the space between the film 9 and the inner surface of the hood 2, in order to lift the film 9 from the goods to be kept fresh and against the inside before opening the hood 2 the hood 2 to be able to suck.
  • an air duct leads from the second connection to an air inlet opening of the 2-way valve 16 which is provided at the end of the valve housing shown on the left in FIG. 3.
  • this ventilation channel is closed by a valve body 22 ′ which is also arranged on the valve actuating rod 20.
  • the first connection is connected via an aeration channel to an air inlet opening of the 2-way valve 16, which is provided at the end of the valve housing shown on the right in FIG. 3.
  • This ventilation duct also contains a valve actuation rod 20 arranged valve body 21 ', which bears close to its valve seat when the valve is not activated and is lifted off its seat when the valve is activated and thus releases the ventilation channel.
  • a bulge 27 is formed on the side wall of the hood 2 shown on the left in FIG contains a first connecting channel 28 which opens on the one hand in the inner surface of this side wall and on the other hand in the widened edge here.
  • a bead 29 formed on the lower part 1 and containing a second connecting channel 30 is aligned on the bead 27. This connects with its one end when the hood 2 is closed to the first connecting channel 28 and, on the other hand, opens into the inner surface of the side wall of the lower part 1, where the second suction line 26 (not shown in FIG. 4) connects.
  • a pressure sensor 31 which is attached to the underside of the plate forming the support surface 5 and, in the exemplary embodiment, has a membrane on which the pressure in the useful space acts directly.
  • the pressure sensor 31 actuates a microswitch 32 in such a way that the microswitch is closed when air has to be extracted from the work space and is open when the negative pressure in the work space has the desired value.
  • microswitch 33 In series with the microswitch 32 is a microswitch 33 which is actuated by a plunger which keeps the microswitch 33 open when the latch 7 is open and holds the microswitch 33 in the closed state when the latch 7 is closed.
  • the two microswitches 32 and 33 are connected to a control device 34, the components of which are provided on a circuit board 35 arranged below the support surface 5 in the lower part 1.
  • the electric motor is also connected to the control device 34 19, the electromagnet 23 and two arranged in the front wall of the lower part 1 signal lights 36 and 37 connected, which glow green or red in the activated state.
  • the green light means that the desired negative pressure prevails in the utility room, whereas the red light indicates a fault.
  • a power switch 38 is also provided in the front wall of the lower part 1, by means of which the connection between the flexible power cable (not shown) and the control device 34 can be established and interrupted.
  • the microswitch 33 assumes the closed position shown in FIG. 3. This also applies to the microswitch 32 because the ambient pressure still prevails in the usable space.
  • the 2-way valve 16 remains in the switching position shown in FIG. 3 and the electric motor 19 is switched on. Therefore, the air is now extracted from the usable space. In this case, the film 9 lies against the goods to be kept fresh, air being able to flow into the space between the film 9 and the hood 2.
  • the microswitch 32 opens, whereby the electric motor 19 is switched off.
  • the green signal light 36 which is a light emitting diode, is switched on.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP93/00557 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 25, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 25, 1994 PCT Filed Mar. 11, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO93/18696 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 30, 1993In an hermetically sealed fresh-keeping container for organic substances, in particular foodstuffs, with a dimensionally stable bottom part that incorporates a support surface for the goods that are to be kept fresh, a similarly dimensioned and stable upper part that is mounted on the lower part, above the support surface, so as to be removable. The hood forms a useable space, and a vacuum pump system removes the air within the useable space. The useable space is also delimited by an airproof foil, the edge of which is releasably connected with a wall of the container. A suction opening of the vacuum system is incorporated in this wall.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen luftdicht verschließbaren Frischhaltebhälter für organische Stoffe, insbesondere Lebensmittel, der die Merkmale des Oberbegriffs des Anspruches 1 aufweist.The invention relates to an airtight sealable food storage container for organic substances, especially food, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Durch die DE 35 08 436 A1 ist ein luftdicht verschließbarer Frischhaltebehälter bekannt, der eine Grundplatte sowie eine glockenartige Abdeckung, die abnehmbar auf der Grundplatte angeordnet, ist, und die allseits einen Vorratsraum oberhalb der Grundplatte umschließt, bekannt. An der Berührungsfläche zwischen der Abdeckung und der Grundplatte ist ein Dichtungselement angeordnet. Mit dem Vorratsraum ist eine Vakuumpumpe verbunden, die in Abhängigkeit vom Schließzustand der Abdeckung betätigbar ist, wodurch im Vorratsraum ein Vakuum erzeugt wird. Ferner ist eine Druckausgleichsvorrichtung vorgesehen, die mit dem Vorratsraum gekoppelt ist.From DE 35 08 436 A1 an airtight lockable food storage container is known, which has a base plate and a bell-like cover, which is removably arranged on the base plate, and which encloses a storage space above the base plate on all sides. A sealing element is arranged on the contact surface between the cover and the base plate. A vacuum pump is connected to the storage space and can be actuated as a function of the closed state of the cover, as a result of which a vacuum is generated in the storage space. A pressure compensation device is also provided, which is coupled to the storage space.

Bei einem bekannten Behälter dieser Art ist der Deckel mit einem Ventil versehen, durch das hindurch mittels einer Handpumpe Luft aus dem Behälter abgesaugt werden kann.In a known container of this type, the lid is provided with a valve, through which air can be sucked out of the container by means of a hand pump.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen diesem bekannten Behälter gegenüber verbesserten Frischhaltebehälter zu schaffen. Diese Aufgabe löst ein Behälter mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1.The invention has for its object to provide a known container compared to improved fresh food containers. This object is achieved by a container having the features of claim 1.

Dank der luftdichten Folie ist der Raum, in dem der Unterdruck erzeugt und aufrechterhalten werden muß, praktisch auf das von dem frischzuhaltenden Gut bestimmte Volumen beschränkt. Dies reduziert den Aufwand für das Absaugen der Luft und die Aufrechterhaltung des Unterdruckes. Außerdem brauchen die Wände des Behälters nicht einer relativ hohen Druckdifferenz standzuhalten. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, daß das Reinigen des Behälters durch die Folie vereinfacht wird, da diese problemlos ausgewechselt werden kann.Thanks to the airtight film, the space in which the negative pressure must be generated and maintained is practically on that of the volume to be kept fresh is limited. This reduces the effort for sucking out the air and maintaining the negative pressure. In addition, the walls of the container need not withstand a relatively high pressure differential. Another advantage is that the cleaning of the container is simplified by the film, since this can be easily replaced.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist der Oberteil des Behälters als eine Haube ausgebildet. Hierdurch ist die Auflagefläche gut zugänglich, so daß sowohl das Einbringen des Gutes in den Behälter als auch das Entnehmen keinerlei Schwierigkeiten bereitet.In a preferred embodiment, the upper part of the container is designed as a hood. As a result, the support surface is easily accessible, so that both the introduction of the goods into the container and the removal do not pose any difficulties.

Um im Bedarfsfalle den Innenraum des Gerätes vollständig nutzen zu können, hat die Folie im entfalteten Zustand vorzugsweise eine wenigstens annähernd an die Haube angepaßte Haubenform.In order to be able to make full use of the interior of the device when necessary, the film in the unfolded state preferably has a hood shape that is at least approximately matched to the hood.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform schließt sich die Folie an einen in sich geschlossenen Dichtungsstrang an, der bei geschlossenem Behälter zwischen einer umlaufenden Auflagefläche des Unterteils für die Randflächen des Oberteils und dieser Randfläche eingeklemmt ist. Eine zusätzliche Dichtung zwischen Oberteil und Unterteil ist deshalb nicht erforderlich. Da die Folie von Zeit zu Zeit ausgetauscht werden muß, ist damit auch sichergestellt, daß stets eine voll funktionsfähige Dichtung benutzt wird.In a preferred embodiment, the film adjoins a self-contained sealing strip which, when the container is closed, is clamped between a circumferential bearing surface of the lower part for the edge surfaces of the upper part and this edge surface. An additional seal between the upper part and lower part is therefore not necessary. Since the foil has to be replaced from time to time, this also ensures that a fully functional seal is always used.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist die Luftabpumpeinrichtung elektromotorisch angetrieben. Hierdurch kann in Verbindung mit einem Drucksensor in einfacher Weise sichergestellt werden, daß stets aus dem Nutzraum die Luft in dem für die Frischhaltung erforderlichen Maße abgesaugt ist, unabhängig davon, wie groß das Volumen des Nutzraumes ist.In a preferred embodiment, the air pumping device is driven by an electric motor. In this way, in conjunction with a pressure sensor, it can be ensured in a simple manner that the air is always sucked out of the usable space to the extent necessary for keeping it fresh, regardless of how large the volume of the usable space is.

Vorzugsweise ist die Luftabpumpeinrichtung unterhalb der Auflagefläche angeordnet, die zweckmäßigerweise durch eine geschlossene, dicht mit der Seitenwand des Unterteils verbundene Platte gebildet wird.The air pumping device is preferably arranged below the contact surface, which is expediently provided by a closed, plate is tightly connected to the side wall of the lower part.

Ferner ist vorzugsweise zwischen der Ansaugöffnung des Kanals, durch den die Luft abgesaugt wird, und der Luftabpumpeinrichtung ein Partikelabscheider angeordnet.Furthermore, a particle separator is preferably arranged between the suction opening of the channel through which the air is extracted and the air pumping device.

Um problemlos die Folie von dem frischzuhaltenden Gut abheben zu können, ist die Luft aus dem Raum zwischen der Folie und der Haube mittels der Luftabpumpeinrichtung absaugbar. Deshalb weist bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungform die Luftabpumpeinrichtung ein vorzugsweise monostabiles 2-Wege-Ventil auf, das in seinem einen Schaltzustand die von der Pumpe der Luftabpumpeinrichtung zu dem von der Auflagefläche und der Folie begrenzten Raum führende erste Saugleitung öffnet und die von der Pumpe zu dem von der Folie und der Haube begrenzten Raum führende zweite Saugleitung schließt und in der anderen Schaltstellung die erstgenannten Absaugleitung geschlossen und die zweitgenannte Absaugleitung geöffnet hält.In order to be able to lift the film from the goods to be kept fresh without any problems, the air can be extracted from the space between the film and the hood by means of the air pumping device. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the air pumping device has a preferably monostable 2-way valve which, in its one switching state, opens the first suction line leading from the pump of the air pumping device to the space delimited by the support surface and the film, and that from the pump to the of the film and the hood limited space leading second suction line closes and in the other switching position the first suction line closed and the second suction line keeps open.

Eine Steuereinrichtung für den die Pumpe antreibenden Motor und einen das Ventil betätigenden Elektromagneten ist bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit einem Schalter eines Drucksensors verbunden, der die Pumpe aktiviert, wenn der Druck im Nutzraum zu hoch ist, und abschaltet, wenn der Unterdruck im Nutzraum den vorgesehenen Wert erreicht hat. Hierdurch wird nicht nur selbsttätig nach dem Einbringen des frischzuhaltenden Gutes in den Behälter die Luft aus dem Nutzraum in erforderlichem Maße abgesaugt. Es ist hierdurch auch sichergestellt, daß im Falle ein Leckage die Pumpe vorübergehend aktiviert wird, so daß gewährleistet ist, daß ständig im Nutzraum der gewünschte Unterdruck herrscht. Signalleuchten können anzeigen, ob der Behälter ordnungsgemäß arbeitet oder ob infolge eines Fehlers der Nutzraum nicht ausreichend evakuiert ist. Zur Steuerung dieser Signallampen wird ebenfalls der Drucksensor verwendet.A control device for the motor driving the pump and an electromagnet actuating the valve is connected in a preferred embodiment to a switch of a pressure sensor which activates the pump when the pressure in the work space is too high and switches it off when the negative pressure in the work space is the intended one Has reached value. As a result, the air is sucked out of the useful space not only automatically after the fresh goods to be kept have been introduced into the container. This also ensures that the pump is temporarily activated in the event of a leak, so that it is ensured that the desired negative pressure is constantly present in the work space. Signal lights can indicate whether the container is working properly or whether the usable space is not sufficiently evacuated as a result of an error. The pressure sensor is also used to control these signal lamps.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist ferner ein zweiter Schalter vorgesehen, der mit dem Schalter des Drucksensors in Reihe geschaltet sein kann und dessen Schaltzustand davon abhängt, ob der Behälter geöffnet oder ordnungsgemäß geschlossen ist.In a preferred embodiment, there is also a second Switch provided, which can be connected in series with the switch of the pressure sensor and whose switching state depends on whether the container is open or properly closed.

Im folgenden ist die Erfindung anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels im einzelnen erläutert. Es zeigen

Fig. 1
eine teilweise aufgebrochen dargestellte perspektivische Ansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels,
Fig. 2
einen Schnitt nach der Linie II-II der Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
ein Schaltbild des Ausführungsbeispiels mit einem Schnitt durch das 2-Wege-Ventil der Luftabpumpeinrichtung,
Fig. 4
einen Schnitt nach der Linie IV-IV der Fig. 1.
The invention is explained in detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. Show it
Fig. 1
2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment, shown partially broken away,
Fig. 2
2 shows a section along the line II-II of FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
2 shows a circuit diagram of the exemplary embodiment with a section through the 2-way valve of the air pumping device,
Fig. 4
a section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 1st

Ein luftdicht verschließbarer Frischaltebehälter für organische Stoffe, insbesondere Lebensmittel, mit einer im Ausführungsbeispiel quaderähnlichen Form weist, wie Fig. 1 zeigt, einen Unterteil 1 und als Oberteil eine Haube 2 auf, die beide formstabil sind und aus einem Kunststoff bestehen. Für die Haube 2 kommt auch ein klarer Kunststoff in Frage.An airtight sealable fresh storage container for organic substances, in particular foodstuffs, with a cuboid-like shape in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, has a lower part 1 and a cover 2 as an upper part, both of which are dimensionally stable and consist of a plastic. A clear plastic can also be used for the hood 2.

Der Unterteil 1 weist eine ebene, rechteckförmige Bodenplatte 3 auf, die lösbar mit den lotrecht auf ihr stehenden Seitenwänden des Unterteils 1 verbunden ist. Geringfügig unterhalb der in einer zur Bodenplatte 3 parallelen Ebene liegenden Randfläche 4 der Seitenwände ist an diese eine ebene, zur Bodenplatte 3 parallele Platte angeformt, deren Oberseite die Auflagefläche 5 für das frischzuhaltende Gut bildet.The lower part 1 has a flat, rectangular base plate 3, which is detachably connected to the side walls of the lower part 1 which are perpendicular to it. Slightly below the edge surface 4 of the side walls lying in a plane parallel to the base plate 3, a flat plate, parallel to the base plate 3, is formed onto the latter, the upper side of which forms the support surface 5 for the goods to be kept fresh.

Die Seitenwände der Haube 2, deren Form sich im Ausführungsbeispiel von derjenigen eines Quaders nur durch eine Abschrägung am Übergang von der Oberseite zur Vorderseite unterscheidet, fluchten mit den Seitenwänden des Unterteils 1, wenn die Haube 2 mit der Randfläche ihrer Seitenwände auf der Randfläche 4 der Seitenwände des Unterteils 1 aufliegt. Zwei Scharniere 6 verbinden den Unterteil 1 und die Haube 2 an deren Rückseite, weshalb zum Öffnen des Behälters die Haube 2 nur nach hinten geklappt und zum Schließen nach vorne geklappt zu werden braucht. Der Benutzer braucht deshalb nicht darauf zu achten, daß die Haube 2 beim Schließen richtig positioniert wird. Die richtige Positionierung gewährleisten die Scharniere 6. An der Vorderseite des Behälters ist mittig ein Spannverschluß 7 vorgesehen, dessen Schließelement beim Schließvorgang eine an die Haube 2 angeformte Nase übergreift und dann die Vorderwand der Haube 2 gegen die Randfläche der Vorderwand des Unterteils 1 zieht. Dabei werden alle Randflächen der Haube 2 mit ausreichender Kraft gegen die Randfläche 4 des Unterteils 1 gepreßt.The side walls of the hood 2, whose shape differs from that of a cuboid in the exemplary embodiment only by a bevel at the transition from the top to the front, are flush with the side walls of the lower part 1 when the hood 2 with the edge surface of its side walls on the edge surface 4 of the Side walls of the lower part 1 rests. Two hinges 6 connect the lower part 1 and the hood 2 at the rear, which is why the hood 2 only has to be folded backwards to open the container and has to be folded forward to close. The user therefore need not pay attention that the hood 2 is correctly positioned when it is closed. The correct positioning is ensured by the hinges 6. At the front of the container, a tension lock 7 is provided in the center, the closing element of which overlaps a nose formed on the hood 2 during the closing process and then pulls the front wall of the hood 2 against the edge surface of the front wall of the lower part 1. All edge surfaces of the hood 2 are pressed against the edge surface 4 of the lower part 1 with sufficient force.

Wie Fig. 1 zeigt, haben die Seitenwände der Haube 2 längs ihres unteren Randes eine wulstartige Verbreiterung, wodurch die hier gebildete Randfläche an die Breite der Randfläche 4 angepaßt ist. Diese verbreitete Randfläche der Seitenwände der Haube 2 ist mit einer umlaufenden, zur Randfläche 4 hin offenen Nut versehen, in die ein Dichtungsstrang 8 eingelegt werden kann. Die Abmessungen der Nut und des Dichtungsstranges 8 sind so gewählt, daß bei geschlossener Haube 2 der Dichtungsstrang 8 mit Druck sowohl an dar Wandung der Nut als auch an der Randfläche 4 anliegt, damit bei geschlossener Haube 2 der Behälter luftdicht verschlossen ist. An den Dichtungsstrang 8 ist der Rand einer luftdichten Folie 9 angeformt, die im entfalteten Zustand eine der Haube 2 angepaßte Form und Größe hat. Der mit leichter Klemmung in der Nut liegende Dichtungsstrang 8 braucht nur aus dieser Nut herausgezogen zu werden, um die Folie 9 reinigen oder austauschen zu können. Entsprechend braucht nur der Dichtungsstrang 8 der gereinigten oder einer neuen Folie 9 in die Nut eingelegt zu werden, um die Folie 9 wieder in die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Lage in der Haube 2 zu bringen.1 shows, the side walls of the hood 2 have a bead-like widening along their lower edge, as a result of which the edge surface formed here is adapted to the width of the edge surface 4. This widespread edge surface of the side walls of the hood 2 is provided with a circumferential groove which is open towards the edge surface 4 and into which a sealing strip 8 can be inserted. The dimensions of the groove and the sealing strip 8 are chosen so that when the hood 2 is closed, the sealing strip 8 rests with pressure both on the wall of the groove and on the edge surface 4, so that when the hood 2 is closed, the container is airtight. The edge of an airtight film 9 is molded onto the sealing strand 8, which in the unfolded state has a shape and size adapted to the hood 2. The sealing strand 8 lying in the groove with slight clamping need only be pulled out of this groove in order to be able to clean or replace the film 9. Accordingly, only the sealing strip 8 of the cleaned or a new film 9 needs to be inserted into the groove in order to re-insert the film 9 into the one in FIG. 1 bring position shown in the hood 2.

Da der Nutzraum, d.h. der für das frischzuhaltende Gut zur Verfügung stehende Raum, einerseits durch die Auflagefläche 5 und andererseits durch die Folie 9 begrenzt wird, mündet in die Auflagefläche 5 ein Luftabsaugkanal 10. Wie Fig. 2 zeigt, ist das ihn begrenzende Rohr 11 an die Unterseite der die Auflagefläche 5 bildenden Platte angeformt. Ein abnehmbares Sieb 12 deckt die Mündungsöffnung des Luftabsaugkanals 10 ab.Since the usable space, i.e. the space available for the goods to be kept fresh, on the one hand delimited by the support surface 5 and on the other hand by the film 9, opens into the support surface 5 an air suction duct 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the pipe 11 delimiting it is on the underside of the Support surface 5 formed plate. A removable sieve 12 covers the mouth opening of the air extraction duct 10.

Wie das Rohr 11 ist ein zu ihm konzentrisch angeordnetes, im Durchmesser jedoch größeres Rohr 13 mit seinem einen Ende an die die Auflagefläche 5 bildenden Platte angeformt. Das andere Ende des gegen die Bodenplatte 3 weisenden Rohes 13 taucht in einen becherförmigen Sammelbehälter 14 ein, der von unten her in eine Öffnung der Bodenplatte 3 klemmend eingesetzt ist und im Bedarfsfalle zum Entleeren seines Inhalts nach unten abgezogen werden kann. Oberhalb des unteren Endes des Rohres 11 ist seitlich an das Rohr 13 ein Stutzen 13' für den Anschluß einer ersten Saugleitung 15 angeformt. Die Rohre 11 und 13 bilden deshalb einen siphonarigen Partikelabscheider, in dem Partikel, die nicht vom Sieb 12 zurückgehalten werden, aus der abgesaugten Luft abgeschieden werden. Sie fallen in den Sammelbehälter 14.Like the tube 11, a tube 13, which is arranged concentrically to it but has a larger diameter, is formed at one end onto the plate forming the bearing surface 5. The other end of the tube 13 pointing towards the base plate 3 plunges into a cup-shaped collecting container 14, which is inserted from below into an opening in the base plate 3 and, if necessary, can be pulled off to empty its contents. Above the lower end of the tube 11, a nozzle 13 'for the connection of a first suction line 15 is formed laterally on the tube 13. The tubes 11 and 13 therefore form a siphon-like particle separator in which particles that are not retained by the sieve 12 are separated from the extracted air. They fall into the collecting container 14.

Wie Fig. 3 zeigt, führt die erste Saugleitung 15 zu einem ersten Anschluß eines monostabilen 2-Wege-Ventils 16. Von diesem Anschluß führt ein normalerweise offener Ventilkanal zu einem Pumpenanschlußstutzen 17. Ein normalerweise geschlossener Ventilkanal führt von einem zweiten Anschluß ebenfalls zum Pumpenanschlußstutzen 17, der im Ausführungsbeispiel unmittelbar mit dem Ansaugstutzen einer Pumpe 18 verbunden ist, die von einem Elektromotor 19 angetrieben wird. Wie Fig. 3 zeigt, hat das 2-Wege-Ventil 16 für die beiden Ventile, die im einen bzw. anderen Ventilkanal vorgesehen sind, einen gemeinsamen, längsverschiebbar im Ventilgehäuse angeordneten Ventilbetätigungsstab 20, der einen Ventilkörper 21 des einen Ventils sowie einen Ventilkörper 22 des anderen Ventils trägt, mittels deren im Wechsel der zum ersten Anschluß führende Ventilkanal bzw. der zum zweiten Anschluß führende Ventilkanal verschlossen und geöffnet werden kann. Um das 2-Wege-Ventil 16 aus der in Fig. 3 dargestellten, stabilen Schaltstellung in die andere Schaltstellung umzuschalten, in welcher Luft aus dem Zwischenraum zwischen der Folie 9 und der Innenfläche der Haube 2 abgesaugt werden kann, wird der Ventilbetätigungsstab 20 mittels eines Elektromagneten 23 entgegen der Kraft einer Rückstellfeder 24 nach rechts bei einer Blickrichtung gemäß Fig. 3 geschoben. Ein auf dem Ventilbetätigungsstab 20 angeordneter, zylindrischer Magnetflußleitkörper 25 befindet sich dann im Inneren des Elektromagneten 23. Die Führungsflächen des Ventilgehäuses für den Ventilbetätigungsstab 20, oder wie im Ausführungsbeispiel, diejenigen des Ventilbetätigungsstabes 20 werden durch Längsrippen gebildet, zwischen denen die Luft längs der Ventilbetätigungsstange 20 hindurchtreten kann.As shown in FIG. 3, the first suction line 15 leads to a first connection of a monostable 2-way valve 16. From this connection, a normally open valve duct leads to a pump connection stub 17. A normally closed valve duct also leads from a second connection to the pump connection stub 17 , which in the exemplary embodiment is connected directly to the intake manifold of a pump 18 which is driven by an electric motor 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the two-way valve 16 for the two valves, which are provided in one or the other valve channel, has a common valve actuating rod 20, which can be moved longitudinally in the valve housing, has a valve body 21 of one valve and a valve body 22 of the other valve, by means of which in Change the valve channel leading to the first connection or the valve channel leading to the second connection can be closed and opened. In order to switch the 2-way valve 16 from the stable switching position shown in FIG. 3 into the other switching position, in which air can be sucked out from the space between the film 9 and the inner surface of the hood 2, the valve actuation rod 20 is actuated by means of a Electromagnet 23 pushed against the force of a return spring 24 to the right when looking as shown in FIG. 3. A cylindrical magnetic flux guide body 25 arranged on the valve actuation rod 20 is then located inside the electromagnet 23. The guide surfaces of the valve housing for the valve actuation rod 20, or, as in the exemplary embodiment, those of the valve actuation rod 20 are formed by longitudinal ribs, between which the air along the valve actuation rod 20 can step through.

Der zweite Anschluß des 2-Wege-Ventils 16 ist über eine zweite Saugleitung 26 mit dem Raum zwischen der Folie 9 und der Innenfläche der Haube 2 verbunden, um vor dem Öffnen der Haube 2 die Folie 9 von dem frischzuhaltenden Gut abheben und gegen die Innenseite der Haube 2 saugen zu können.The second connection of the 2-way valve 16 is connected via a second suction line 26 to the space between the film 9 and the inner surface of the hood 2, in order to lift the film 9 from the goods to be kept fresh and against the inside before opening the hood 2 the hood 2 to be able to suck.

Damit beim Absaugen der Luft aus dem Raum zwischen der Folie 9 und der Auflagefläche 5 Luft in den Raum zwischen der Folie 5 und der Haube 2 nachströmen kann, obwohl der Ventilkörper 22 dicht an seinem Ventilsitz anliegt, führt vom zweiten Anschluß ein Belüftungskanal zu einer Lufteinlaßöffnung des 2-Wege-Ventils 16, die an dem in Fig. 3 links dargstellten Ende des Ventilgehäuses vorgesehen ist. Dieser Belüftungskanal wird, wenn das Ventil 16 aktiviert ist, von einem ebenfalls auf dem Ventilbetätigungsstab 20 angeordneten Ventilkörper 22' verschlossen. Ist das 2-Wege-Ventil 16 aktiviert, dann steht der erste Anschluß über einen Belüftungskanal mit einer Lufteinlaßöffnung des 2-Wege-Ventils 16 in Verbindung, die an dem in Fig. 3 rechts dargestellten Ende des Ventilgehäuses vorgesehen ist. In diesem Belüftungskanal befindet sich ein ebenfalls auf dem Ventilbetätigungsstab 20 angeordneter Ventilkörper 21', der bei nicht aktiviertem Ventil dicht an seinem Ventilsitz anliegt und bei aktiviertem Ventil von seinem Sitz abgehoben ist und damit den Belüftungskanal frei gibt.So that when the air is sucked out of the space between the film 9 and the support surface 5, air can flow into the space between the film 5 and the hood 2, even though the valve body 22 lies closely against its valve seat, an air duct leads from the second connection to an air inlet opening of the 2-way valve 16 which is provided at the end of the valve housing shown on the left in FIG. 3. When the valve 16 is activated, this ventilation channel is closed by a valve body 22 ′ which is also arranged on the valve actuating rod 20. If the 2-way valve 16 is activated, then the first connection is connected via an aeration channel to an air inlet opening of the 2-way valve 16, which is provided at the end of the valve housing shown on the right in FIG. 3. This ventilation duct also contains a valve actuation rod 20 arranged valve body 21 ', which bears close to its valve seat when the valve is not activated and is lifted off its seat when the valve is activated and thus releases the ventilation channel.

Da sich das 2-Wege-Ventil 16 in dem Raum des Unterteils 1 unterhalb der Auflagefläche 5 befindet, ist, wie die Fig. 1 und 4 zeigen, an die in Fig. 1 links dargestellte Seitenwand der Haube 2 ein Wulst 27 angeformt, der einen ersten Verbindungskanal 28 enthält, welcher einerseits in der Innenfläche dieser Seitenwand und andererseits in den hier verbreiterten Rand mündet. Auf den Wulst 27 ist ein an den Unterteil 1 angeformter Wulst 29 ausgerichtet, der einen zweiten Verbindungskanal 30 enthält. Dieser schließt mit seinem einen Ende bei geschlossener Haube 2 an den ersten Verbindungskanal 28 an und mündet andererseits in der Innenfläche der Seitenwand des Unterteils 1, wo sich die in Fig. 4 nicht dargestellte zweite Saugleitung 26 anschließt.Since the 2-way valve 16 is in the space of the lower part 1 below the support surface 5, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a bulge 27 is formed on the side wall of the hood 2 shown on the left in FIG contains a first connecting channel 28 which opens on the one hand in the inner surface of this side wall and on the other hand in the widened edge here. A bead 29 formed on the lower part 1 and containing a second connecting channel 30 is aligned on the bead 27. This connects with its one end when the hood 2 is closed to the first connecting channel 28 and, on the other hand, opens into the inner surface of the side wall of the lower part 1, where the second suction line 26 (not shown in FIG. 4) connects.

Nur in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist ein Drucksensor 31, der an die die Unterseite der die Auflagefläche 5 bildende Platte angesetzt ist und im Ausführungsbeispiel eine Membrane besitzt, auf die der Druck im Nutzraum unmittelbar einwirkt. Der Drucksensor 31 betätigt einen Mikroschalter 32 derart, daß der Mikroschalter geschlossen ist, wenn Luft aus dem Nutzraum abgesaugt werden muß, und geöffnet ist, wenn der Unterdruck im Nutzraum den gewünschten Wert hat.Only shown in FIG. 3 is a pressure sensor 31, which is attached to the underside of the plate forming the support surface 5 and, in the exemplary embodiment, has a membrane on which the pressure in the useful space acts directly. The pressure sensor 31 actuates a microswitch 32 in such a way that the microswitch is closed when air has to be extracted from the work space and is open when the negative pressure in the work space has the desired value.

In Reihe mit dem Mikroschalter 32 liegt ein Mikroschalter 33 der von einem Stößel betätigt wird, der den Mikroschalter 33 geöffnet hält, wenn der Spannverschluß 7 geöffnet ist und bei geschlossenem Spannverschluß 7 den Mikroschalter 33 im geschlossenen Zustand hält.In series with the microswitch 32 is a microswitch 33 which is actuated by a plunger which keeps the microswitch 33 open when the latch 7 is open and holds the microswitch 33 in the closed state when the latch 7 is closed.

Die beiden Mikroschalter 32 und 33 sind an eine Steuereinrichtung 34 angeschlossen, deren Bauelemente auf einer unterhalb der Auflagefläche 5 im Unterteil 1 angeordneten Plattine 35 vorgesehen sind. An die Steuereinrichtung 34 sind auch der Elektromotor 19, der Elektromagnet 23 und zwei in der vorderen Wand des Unterteils 1 angeordnete Signalleuchten 36 und 37 angeschlossen, die im aktivierten Zustand grün bzw. rot leuchten. Das grüne Licht bedeutet, daß im Nutzraum der gewünschte Unterdruck herrscht, wohingegen das rote Licht eine Störung anzeigt. Ebenfalls in der Vorderwand des Unterteils 1 ist weiterhin ein Netzschalter 38 vorgesehen, mittels dessen die Verbindung zwischen dem nicht dargestellten flexiblen Netzkabel und der Steuereinrichtung 34 hergestellt und unterbrochen werden kann.The two microswitches 32 and 33 are connected to a control device 34, the components of which are provided on a circuit board 35 arranged below the support surface 5 in the lower part 1. The electric motor is also connected to the control device 34 19, the electromagnet 23 and two arranged in the front wall of the lower part 1 signal lights 36 and 37 connected, which glow green or red in the activated state. The green light means that the desired negative pressure prevails in the utility room, whereas the red light indicates a fault. A power switch 38 is also provided in the front wall of the lower part 1, by means of which the connection between the flexible power cable (not shown) and the control device 34 can be established and interrupted.

Wenn das Netzanschlußkabel mit dem Netz verbunden und die Haube 2 geschlossen ist, hat das Einschalten des Netzschalters 38 zur Folge, daß bei einem Öffnen des Spannverschlusses 7 der Mikroschalter 33 in den Schaltzustand "Haube 2 offen" übergeht. Infolge dessen schaltet die Steuereinrichtung 34 für eine bestimmte Zeit den Elektromotor 19 ein und aktiviert für diese Zeit den Elektromagneten 23, so daß Luft aus dem Raum zwischen der Folie 9 und der Haube 2 abgesaugt wird und Luft in den Raum zwischen der Folie 9 und der Auflagefläche 5 entströmen kann. Hierdurch wird die Folie 9 in ihrem vollständig entfalteten Zustand gehalten. Nun wird die Haube 2 aufgeklappt und das frischzuhaltende Gut, bei dem es sich beispeilsweise um Brot, Brötchen, Brezeln, Wurstwaren, Kuchen, Salat, Gemüse u.s.w. handelt, auf die Auflagefläche 5 gelegt. Anschließend werden die Haube 2 und der Spannverschluß 7 wieder verschlossen. Der Mikroschalter 33 nimmt die in Fig. 3 dargestellte, geschlossene Stellung ein. Dies gilt auch für den Mikroschalter 32, weil im Nutzraum noch der Umgebungsdruck herrscht. Das 2-Wege-Ventil 16 bleibt in der in Fig. 3 dargestellten Schaltstellung und der Elektromotor 19 wird eingeschaltet. Daher wird nun aus dem Nutzraum die Luft abgesaugt. Dabei legt sich die Folie 9 an das frischzuhaltende Gut an, wobei Luft in den Raum zwischen der Folie 9 und der Haube 2 einströmen kann. Ist der erforderliche Unterdruck erreicht, dann öffnet der Mikroschalter 32, wodurch der Elektromotor 19 abgeschaltet wird. Dabei wird die grüne Signalleuchte 36, bei der es sich um eine Leuchtdiode handelt, eingeschaltet.When the power cord is connected to the power supply and the hood 2 is closed, switching on the power switch 38 has the result that when the tension lock 7 is opened, the microswitch 33 changes to the "hood 2 open" switching state. As a result, the control device 34 switches on the electric motor 19 for a certain time and activates the electromagnet 23 for this time, so that air is sucked out of the space between the film 9 and the hood 2 and air into the space between the film 9 and the Contact surface 5 can flow out. As a result, the film 9 is kept in its fully unfolded state. Now the hood 2 is opened and the goods to be kept fresh, which are, for example, bread, rolls, pretzels, sausages, cakes, lettuce, vegetables, etc., are placed on the support surface 5. Then the hood 2 and the latch 7 are closed again. The microswitch 33 assumes the closed position shown in FIG. 3. This also applies to the microswitch 32 because the ambient pressure still prevails in the usable space. The 2-way valve 16 remains in the switching position shown in FIG. 3 and the electric motor 19 is switched on. Therefore, the air is now extracted from the usable space. In this case, the film 9 lies against the goods to be kept fresh, air being able to flow into the space between the film 9 and the hood 2. When the required vacuum is reached, the microswitch 32 opens, whereby the electric motor 19 is switched off. The green signal light 36, which is a light emitting diode, is switched on.

Sollte Luft in den Nutzraum eindringen, führt dies zu einem Druckanstieg, der vom Drucksensor 31 erkannt wird. Der Elektromotor 19 wird in diesem Falle erneut eingeschaltet, und zwar so lange, bis der gewünschte Unterdruck wieder erreicht ist. Hierdurch ist sichergestellt, daß der erforderliche Unterdruck im Nutzraum automatisch aufrechterhalten wird. Erst wenn der Spannverschluß 7 geöffnet wird, werden für eine bestimmte Zeit das 2-Wege-Ventil 16 umgeschaltet und der Elektromotor 19 eingeschaltet, damit die Folie 9 von dem frischzuhaltenden Gut abgehoben und an die Innenseite der Haube 2 angesaugt wird.Should air penetrate into the usable space, this leads to an increase in pressure, which is recognized by the pressure sensor 31. In this case, the electric motor 19 is switched on again until the desired negative pressure is reached again. This ensures that the required negative pressure is automatically maintained in the work space. Only when the tension lock 7 is opened are the 2-way valve 16 switched over and the electric motor 19 switched on for a certain time, so that the film 9 is lifted off the product to be kept fresh and sucked into the inside of the hood 2.

Claims (17)

  1. A hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container for organic substances, in particular foodstuffs, with a dimensionally stable bottom part (1) that incorporates a support surface for the goods that are to be kept fresh, a similarly dimensionally stable upper part (2) that is laid on the bottom part (2) so as to be removable, thereby forming a useable space above the support surface, and an air pump system (19) for the air within the useable space, characterized in that in the area that is delimited by the upper part (2), the useable space is delimited by an airproof foil (9), the edge of which is hermetically and releasably connected to a wall that delimits the remainder of the useable space; and in that a suction opening (10) for the air pump system (19) is incorporated in this wall.
  2. A container as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the upper part is configured as a hood (2).
  3. A container as defined in claim 2, characterized in that the foil (9), when deployed, is of a shape and size that at least approximates that of the hood (2).
  4. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the foil (9) incorporates a sealing strip (8) along its edge, and when the container is closed this sealing strip is clamped between an encircling contact surface (5) of the lower part (1) and an encircling edge surface of the upper part (2).
  5. A container as defined in claim 4, characterized in that the edge surface of the upper part (2) is provided with an encircling groove that is open towards the support surface (5) of the bottom part (1), the sealing strip (8) fitting in this.
  6. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper part (2) is connected by at least one hinge (6) to the bottom part (1).
  7. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper part (2) can be held in a hermetically sealed position on the bottom part (1) by at least one closing device.
  8. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support surface (5) is formed by a plate that is connected hermetically in the space above the bottom of the bottom part (1) to the side wall thereof and is preferably formed in one piece.
  9. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized by a first connector channel (28) that opens out at one end into the inside surface of the side wall of the upper part (2) and at the other into the edge area of the upper part (2), and a second connector channel (30), one end of which is adjacent when the container is closed to the end of the first connector channel (28) that opens out in the edge area and the other end of which is connected to the air pump system.
  10. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom part (1) has in the space beneath the support surface (5) a base plate (3) that is connected to the side walls; and in that the air pump system is accommodated in the intervening space between the support surface (5) and the base plate (3).
  11. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outlet opening of an air suction channel (10) of the air pump system is located in the support surface (5); and in that between the air suction channel (10) and the pump (18) of the air pump system there is a particle separator (11, 13).
  12. A container as defined in claim 11, characterized in that the particle separator, which is formed in the manner of a siphon, incorporates a pipe (13) that extends downwards from the support surface (5) into which a pipe that forms the suction channel (10) and which is of smaller diameter extends; in that the lower end of the pipe (13) that is of greater diameter is located in a removable collector (14); and in that above the lower end of the pipe (11) that forms the air suction channel (10) this pipe incorporates a branch (13') for a suction line (15) that leads to the pump (18).
  13. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the air pump system incorporates a preferably monostable two-way valve (16), that in one switch position keeps the first suction line (15) that leads from the pump (18) to the suction channel (10) open and the second suction line (26) that leads from the pump (18) to the second connector channel (30) closed.
  14. A container as defined in one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized by a control device (34) for the electric motor (19) that drives the pump (18), and a solenoid (23) that actuates the two-way valve (16).
  15. A container as defined in claim 14, characterized in that a switch (32) of a pressure sensor (31) is connected to the control device (34) and this switches off the pump (18) when the partial vacuum within the useable space has reached the prescribed value.
  16. A container as defined in claim 15, characterized by warning lights (36, 37) that are controlled by the switch (32) of the pressure sensor (31).
  17. A container as defined in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a second switch (33) is connected to the control device (34), the position of this depending on whether the container has been closed properly or improperly.
EP93906500A 1992-03-18 1993-03-11 Hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container Expired - Lifetime EP0631484B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4208656 1992-03-18
DE4208656A DE4208656C2 (en) 1992-03-18 1992-03-18 Airtight lockable food storage container
PCT/EP1993/000557 WO1993018696A1 (en) 1992-03-18 1993-03-11 Hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0631484A1 EP0631484A1 (en) 1995-01-04
EP0631484B1 true EP0631484B1 (en) 1996-12-04

Family

ID=6454362

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93906500A Expired - Lifetime EP0631484B1 (en) 1992-03-18 1993-03-11 Hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5570628A (en)
EP (1) EP0631484B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE145804T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3747193A (en)
CA (1) CA2132196A1 (en)
DE (2) DE4208656C2 (en)
WO (1) WO1993018696A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105540027A (en) * 2016-01-27 2016-05-04 苏州浦灵达自动化科技有限公司 Intelligent filtering and automatic vacuumizing container cover
CN105691876A (en) * 2016-01-27 2016-06-22 苏州浦灵达自动化科技有限公司 Automatic vacuumizing container lid

Families Citing this family (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4303712A1 (en) * 1993-02-09 1994-08-18 Blasinger Guenther Dipl Ing Fh Packaging device
DE9401446U1 (en) * 1994-01-29 1994-07-07 Steinhauser, Hermann, 87634 Obergünzburg Device for vacuum packaging of food
US5820908A (en) * 1996-11-21 1998-10-13 Liland Technology, L.L.C. Produce packing and handling apparatus and method
AU728741B2 (en) * 1997-04-17 2001-01-18 Timothy Duke Armstrong Vacuum resealable display/storage case
US5946919A (en) * 1997-05-02 1999-09-07 Sharper Image Corp. Food conservator system
DE29718555U1 (en) 1997-10-18 1998-02-05 Daum GmbH, 19061 Schwerin Tissue sample transport box
US7013795B2 (en) * 2002-01-10 2006-03-21 Conair Corporation Grind and brew coffee apparatus
US6626092B2 (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-09-30 Kenneth P. Tarlow Vacuum producing appliance
US20030152673A1 (en) * 2002-02-08 2003-08-14 Kenneth Tarlow Food preservation container
US20040099332A1 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-05-27 Kieck Timothy Adam Appliance for the universal storage of baked goods with a built in vacuum pump
DE10319874B3 (en) * 2003-05-03 2004-08-19 Arzneimittelgesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg Dispenser for fluid solutions has flexible bag with outlet mounted in outer pressure chamber with nitrogen supply to force contents out of bag
GB2405313A (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-02 Omid Moallemi A vacuum sealed bread bin
US7198074B2 (en) * 2003-10-01 2007-04-03 Epicurean International Corporation Motorized vacuum/pressure pump and stopper
GB2422286A (en) * 2004-12-10 2006-07-26 Timothy Adam Kieck Airtight apparatus with vacuum pump for the storage of foodstuffs
US9198444B2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2015-12-01 Chiquita Brands, Inc. Device for controlling the gas medium inside a container
US7874245B2 (en) * 2005-12-16 2011-01-25 John Spencer Kuzmier Countertop fresh fruit and vegetable preservation device
US7677166B2 (en) * 2006-03-20 2010-03-16 Mei-Hua Tsai Adjustable vacuum food storage container
DE102006032968A1 (en) * 2006-07-17 2008-01-24 Sofie Ajayi Vacuum-tight sealable food preserving container, has encircling frame which can be opened and closed on one side
DE102006040696B3 (en) * 2006-08-30 2008-03-06 Thales Defence Deutschland Gmbh Operating, storing and transporting case for information technology device, has outer unit that is connected with inner unit via connecting lines for allowing circulation of coolant between outer unit and inner unit
US7677165B2 (en) * 2006-11-15 2010-03-16 Spencer Adams Food storage device
US7967509B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-06-28 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch with a valve
US8192182B2 (en) * 2008-01-09 2012-06-05 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Manual evacuation system
BE1018274A3 (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-08-03 Ryckewaert Jan Jozef SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING FOODSTUFFS IN THE FINAL PACK.
CN110584473A (en) * 2018-06-13 2019-12-20 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 Cooking control method and device, computer storage medium and cooking equipment
US11603251B2 (en) * 2020-03-04 2023-03-14 Erika Bamonte Vacuum sealed container for perishable and non-perishable goods
DE102020134811A1 (en) * 2020-12-23 2022-06-23 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Sealing station with centrifugal separator

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1724787A (en) * 1928-01-23 1929-08-13 Bergeron Honore Apparatus for exhausting air from containers
US2539999A (en) * 1945-09-25 1951-01-30 Mars And Huzenlaub Process for altering flavor of cereals
US3202278A (en) * 1962-05-08 1965-08-24 Ncr Co Article package and method of making the same
US3396656A (en) * 1966-09-20 1968-08-13 Pillsbury Co Suspension system for food dehydration centrifuge
GB1270337A (en) * 1969-07-09 1972-04-12 Airflex Containers Ltd Improvements in packaging
FR2367434A2 (en) * 1976-10-14 1978-05-12 Christ Charles METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FERMENTATION
IT1033739B (en) * 1975-07-30 1979-08-10 Saleri S WATERPROOF CONTAINER FOR THE STORAGE OF VACUUM FOOD FOR DOMESTIC USE FITTED WITH MEANS FOR THE CREATION OF THE INTERNAL VACUUM
US4093009A (en) * 1977-03-04 1978-06-06 Anthony Iavarone Vacuum packing device
NL180493C (en) * 1977-09-02 1987-03-02 Oordt & Co Holding Bv METHOD FOR DOUBLE-WALLED, Airtight Packaging of Foodstuffs
GB2008200B (en) * 1977-11-09 1982-10-20 Emerit Andre A C Source of vacuum and device for creating and maintaining anegative pressure in an enclosure
DE2919900A1 (en) * 1979-05-17 1980-11-27 Joseph Maier Food store with integral vacuum pump - is used aboard train or aircraft and has electro magnetic valve allowing air into evacuated interior
US4362095A (en) * 1981-03-02 1982-12-07 Phyllis A. Wheatley Storage container for ground coffee
DE3508436A1 (en) * 1985-03-09 1986-09-11 Festo KG, 7300 Esslingen Freshness-maintaining device
US5057332A (en) * 1988-01-11 1991-10-15 Minute Marinator, Inc. Apparatus and process for marinating foodstuffs
ES2076591T3 (en) * 1991-04-03 1995-11-01 Jankovic Milan SUCTION DEVICE TO CREATE A VOID IN CONTAINERS.
US5168797A (en) * 1992-05-11 1992-12-08 Wang Yiu Te Reciprocally vacuumized and pressurized multi-purpose food processing apparatus
US5347918A (en) * 1994-04-06 1994-09-20 Chen Hung Vacuum thermal cooker

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105540027A (en) * 2016-01-27 2016-05-04 苏州浦灵达自动化科技有限公司 Intelligent filtering and automatic vacuumizing container cover
CN105691876A (en) * 2016-01-27 2016-06-22 苏州浦灵达自动化科技有限公司 Automatic vacuumizing container lid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3747193A (en) 1993-10-21
ATE145804T1 (en) 1996-12-15
DE4208656A1 (en) 1993-09-30
DE4208656C2 (en) 1995-07-20
WO1993018696A1 (en) 1993-09-30
CA2132196A1 (en) 1993-09-19
EP0631484A1 (en) 1995-01-04
US5570628A (en) 1996-11-05
DE59304683D1 (en) 1997-01-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0631484B1 (en) Hermetically sealable fresh-keeping container
DE69925452T2 (en) Valve unit for carpet cleaner
DE202008005755U1 (en) Cling vacuum capping
DE3818381A1 (en) DEVICE FOR DISCONNECTING AN EJECTOR PUMP
EP0362624B1 (en) Filter bag for a vacuum cleaner
EP0959711A1 (en) Cleaning device for a dry shaver
DE2713320C2 (en)
EP0289710B1 (en) Filter bag arrangement in electric vacuum cleaners
EP3162718A1 (en) Vakuumschublade zum vakuumieren von lebensmitteln
DE2351769A1 (en) VACUUM ARRANGEMENT
EP0956768B1 (en) External filter, specially for aquariums
DE3244834A1 (en) Suction device for pneumatically conveyable waste
EP0332090B1 (en) Apparatus for extracting and removing a liquid containing noxious material, especially of dirty water
DE19616954C2 (en) Suction pump
DE9213333U1 (en) Airtight sealable freshness container
DE1186992B (en) Automatic vacuum cleaner
DE2710448C2 (en) Pneumatic device for separating the top sheet of a stack of sheets
EP1627589A2 (en) Suction appliance, especially for dust
DE4108405C1 (en)
DE947513C (en) Device for separating dust, dirt or similar foreign bodies from the air
DE4014219A1 (en) Horizontal vacuum cleaner dust bag - fits in carrier of open-topped skeleton strip structure clipped into position
DE19946707C2 (en) Suction device for suctioning liquid supernatants from open containers
DE3322226C1 (en) Device for the automatic flushing of milk pails
DE19544892C1 (en) Combined suction and liquid-discharge equipment
DE102007047376B4 (en) oil pump

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19941014

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19960105

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19961204

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19961204

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19961204

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19961204

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 145804

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19961215

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59304683

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970116

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: 70866

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: MODIANO & ASSOCIATI S.R.L.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: WILLIAM BLANC & CIE CONSEILS EN PROPRIETE INDUSTRI

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19970304

Ref country code: PT

Effective date: 19970304

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19970312

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 19970313

Year of fee payment: 5

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19970305

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19970326

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19970331

ET Fr: translation filed
NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19970627

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

Ref document number: 70866

Country of ref document: IE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Effective date: 19970930

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980311

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19980311

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980331

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980331

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19980331

Year of fee payment: 6

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: L + H LEMITEG LEBENSMITTEL- UND FREIZEITTECHNIK

Effective date: 19980331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990311

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19990311

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20000512

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050311