ES2228960T3 - DEVICE TO MAKE THE VACUUM IN A FOOD PRODUCT CONSERVATION CONTAINER THAT CAN BE CLOSED THROUGH A VALVE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for emptying food storage containers. The invention is characterised in that the device is embodied as an attachment (1) for a hand-held electrical household appliance, particularly a rod mixer and comprises a vacuum pump (17). The invention also relates to a method for emptying a food storage container, whereby an attachment comprising a vacuum pump is disposed on a rod mixer. The inventive attachment is advantageous in that it is provided with a small, economical and easy to handle vacuum pump for use in the household. In contrast to prior art no completely new household appliance with corresponding additional storage requirements needs to be added. The inventive attachment is simple and safe to use in the household.

Description

Device to make the vacuum in a container of preservation of food products that can be closed by middle of a valve.

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

For the preservation of food products, know systems that allow conservation in conditions secondary better than if food products are preserved untreated or without improved storage conditions. A possibility to improve the conservation of food products it consists of the conservation of food products in vacuum containers. It has been shown that this kind of systems they give very good results to avoid microorganisms, parasites, molds and growth of acomycetes. Likewise, the oxidation of food products, with which you can avoid alterations of the degree of humidity and the aroma of food products.

To achieve this kind of conditions of storage is needed a device that sucks air from the conservation vessel to produce a vacuum. By the state of the most diverse pumps known to meet this technique are known objective. Pumps intended for application in the sector Domestic are usually based on plunger pumps or fans.

The patent US-A-5,195,427 describes a pump of manual electric drive vacuum of this kind, for use in the domestic sector. This handheld device, made exclusively as a vacuum pump, it consists of a multitude of individual pieces. In particular a complex is planned transformation of the axis rotation movement into a movement oscillating, and the corresponding gearbox for the piston pump drive. The system is intended for vacuum in product storage containers food. With this device you can easily achieve an adequate pressure ratio for the conservation of food products in a vacuum container.

By patent DE-A-195 04 638 a known bar blender to stir or shred food products, whose rotating blade located inside a housing campaniforme produces during the turn a vacuum, achieved from the top of the rod of the bar blender through a fluid communication. The vacuum that forms in the bell serves to mix food products better and more intensive

For the German Utility Model 299 20 316 U1 it knows a device to generate a vacuum in a container, where a vacuum cleaner is used as a vacuum generator. For it an adapter is used as an insert in a vacuum cleaner powder, which can be applied to a valve made in the lid of the container. The handling of the vacuum generator performed as Dust vacuum is complex and complicated. In handling with food products may arise problems hygienic

The electric vacuum pumps presented for the domestic sector are very complex manufacturing, since in this in case the linkage and transmission require a large number of components. On the other hand the constructive disposition demands also relatively large device dimensions. For other part, the acquisition of the corresponding vacuum pump results in to which it is necessary to store another domestic appliance, which It will only be used in certain cases.

The present invention therefore has as aim to facilitate a device to make the vacuum in storage containers for food products, whatever Simple and economical manufacturing. This goal is solved. by means of a device to make the vacuum in a container of storage of food products that can be closed by means of a valve and that presents the characteristics of the claim 1. Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

The hairpiece object of the invention for an electric household appliance for manual use, offers the advantage of that in this way a small, economical vacuum pump is provided and easy to use for domestic applications. Unlike the solutions known to the state of the art, not added no brand new home appliance, which occupies the corresponding space. The false element rather complements existing devices such as blender, chopper, etc. adding another useful component. This one occupies very little space and is considerably cheaper than an electrical appliance with own drive The hairpiece object of the invention It is also simple and safe to handle in the domestic sector. The invention represents a simple and economical solution, since the union between the two ends of the shaft is made with positive adjustment by simple plug of the shaft couplings. For this, the shaft couplings can be made as front teeth

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is provided in the features of the claim 2. This form of construction of the vacuum pump is characterized especially for superior suction capacity in comparison with the vacuum pumps used so far for domestic applications On the other hand it can be done from this way a reduced construction height, since it is not They need complex rods and transmissions. Vacuum pump it can be operated directly at the shaft revolutions of Home appliance operation. This also reduces the number of components, which in turn has a positive impact on manufacturing positions. Finally, with a cell pump pallets of this class you can get in a few seconds the level of desired pressure in a container of food products.

Another advantageous embodiment of the The present invention presents the characteristics of the claim 3. The sealing lip is formed in this case by an edge of elastomer plastic material protruding peripheral in the end of the suction side. The lip joint section It can widen towards the free end. This way it turns out It is possible to easily place the insert on the corresponding valve of a preservation vessel for food products. This avoids the need to have than center with the corresponding valve hole, such as it is necessary in the devices according to the state of the art. The sealing lip acts similar to a suction cup.

Another advantageous embodiment of the The present invention is provided by the characteristics of the claim 4. In this way a union of Simple and economical plug with a handheld household appliance, for example a bar blender. The plug connection is on the one hand very robust and can serve at the same time as a focus for the Shaft coupling union.

Finally, another advantageous embodiment of the invention is provided by the characteristics of the claim 5. This creates a security function additional that prevents the entry of liquid into the pump enclosure  during the evacuation process. The solution of this is simple and economical For example, a simple float can be provided spherical in a vertical tube, which when reaching a liquid level Default floats and closes a valve hole.

The features of claim 6 provide also another advantageous improvement. With this you get that The vacuum pump of the insert is resistant to temperatures within its working range. It is also achieved with This is a self-lubricating effect. This contributes to the pump vacuum has low pressure losses and does not require maintenance.

Another advantageous improvement is planned by the features of claim 7. This also means ensures resistance to temperatures within the field of job. On the other hand, the centrifugal forces that are supported they produce, without unacceptably large deformations. To this also contributes the light construction, conditioned by the material.

Finally, another advantageous improvement is provided by the features of claim 8. The sheets made for example as rectangular plates can have either freedom of movement, be triggered solely by centrifugal force or being subjected to the pressure of a spring. By means of the corresponding choice of material a form is achieved self-lubricating construction that does not need maintenance.

Another advantageous embodiment of the element object of the invention is provided by the characteristics of claim 9. This choice of material It represents a form of economic and hygienic construction, which It allows a multitude of conformed. Some of the possible materials they are for example polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide or any other suitable thermoplastic material.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are clarify by describing the examples of embodiment, referring to the attached drawings. These show:

Fig. 1 a schematic representation in section of a first embodiment of a device object of the invention to make the vacuum in a conservation container for food products;

Fig. 2 an exploded perspective view of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a detailed perspective view of the vane cell pump, which is part of the device of the Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 a perspective view of a mixer of bar with a false element according to the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 a schematic representation in section of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention to make the vacuum in a conservation container for food products, with the float area;

Fig. 6 a diagram showing a comparison between the evacuation time for a 700 ml container, enter a false element according to the invention and vacuum pumps Conventional for the domestic sector.

Then the same components or Similar are identified with the same references.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional representation of an advantageous embodiment of a insert 1 according to the present invention. The insert 1 has a coupling section 2, a pump section 3 and a
suction section 4.

The coupling section is formed by a Plug-in body 6 in the shape of a bowl and a serrated coupling 7 located inside. The pluggable body has a bottom hole 9 in the bottom area, through the  which passes an axis 8, attached to the coupling teeth 7. The pump vacuum located in the pump section 3 is made as a pump of paddle cells, as also represented in the Detailed perspective view of Fig. 3. The pump body of vane cells 17 is formed by a graphite ring 16, which at its upper and lower ends is closed respectively by a circular upper terminal disk 18 and a lower disk 12. A rotor is located inside the pump body cylindrical 10, eccentric swivel. The rotor 10 has grooves radial 32 distributed evenly. In slots 32 they are housed the vanes 11 that can move radially. The full 11 they are compressed against the graphite ring by force centrifuge, and in the present embodiment, assisted by the  spring force 26. In this way the impulse cells that widen and narrow sickle.

As deduced from Fig. 1, the rotor 10 is attached to an axis 8, which passes through one of its ends terminal disk The end of shaft 8 protruding from the disc terminal 18 carries a coupling teeth 7 made as front teeth In coupling section 2 it is provided also an annular envelope, which continues along the wall of the body 5. This leather end of the hairpiece made as a plug-in body 6 it is intended to connect to the end of the Tool side of a bar blender.

At another end of the body 5 it is formed in the outer perimeter a peripheral joint lip 13 of a material of elastic rubber, which by means of a groove 15 is attached to a tab 14. The sealing lip 13 is made in such a way that during operation it acts like a kind of suction cup. The cover 33 located at this end of the body 5 has the corresponding suction slots 28. The slots of suction 28 are located inside the section of the cover 33 surrounded by the ring seal lip 13.

Fig. 2 is an exploded schematic view. of the embodiment according to Fig. 1. There they are represented the plug-in body 6, essentially shaped like a bowl, made in coupling section 2, as well as the teeth of coupling 7 located at the bottom of it. In the section of the pump 3 is also schematically represented the rotor 10 and the shaft 8, which connects the coupling teeth 7 with the rotor 10. The rotor 10 is housed in the graphite ring 16, which in turn is located inside the body 5. Finally it is represented in the lower end of elongated cylindrical body 5 the connection of suction 4 with the sealing lip 13 of an elastomer plastic.

Fig. 3 shows a detailed representation in perspective of the vane cell pump 17 of Fig. 1. There the upper terminal disc 18 is shown, raised, which at same as the cylindrical graphite ring 16 and the terminal disk bottom 12, is made of graphite. In eccentric position with respect to the center of the upper circular terminal disc 18 is made a hole that serves as a bearing 20 for the rotor shaft 8 that is not represented here. The shaft bearing 20 is made as a self-lubricating friction bearing. Inside of the cylindrical graphite ring 16, and together with the terminal disk upper 18 and the lower terminal disk 12 forms the body of the vane cell pump 17, the rotor 10 supported is located along axis 8.

The rotor 10 made of carbon fiber is located eccentric with respect to the center of the graphite ring 16. It has three grooves 32, respectively 120 ° offset from each other, in which are guided respectively by paddles 11, movable in radial direction. The pallets 11 are manufactured essentially as rectangular graphite plates. Pallets 11 are subjected by its end close to the hole of the shaft 21 of the rotor 10 to the pressure force of the compression springs 26. On the other hand the suction hole 19 is represented located in the lower terminal disk 12, through which aspirate the air from a conservation vessel. The cells of drive 22 is formed by means of the rotor, the terminal disk upper 18, of the lower terminal disk 12, of the graphite ring 16 and the pallets 11.

During operation of the cell pump of vanes 17, the rotor rotates at the speed of the blender shaft of bar 23. The vanes 11 slide along the wall inside the graphite ring, due to centrifugal force and by the force of the springs, thus ensuring that produce balance of pressures between the different cells of impulsion.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a insert 1 according to the invention, mounted at the end output of a bar mixer 23. The set of appliances, essentially elongated cylindrical, carries at its end upper a handle 24, which can be completely surrounded by The user's hand. On the front face of the bar blender 23 there is, at the top, a drive switch which can be easily handled by the hand that holds it.

The upper area of the body 5 of the element hairpiece made as a plug-in body 6 is slid by above the slightly tapered end of the outlet side of the bar mixer 23. During this process it is established time the union between the axles for the pump drive empty.

At the lower end of the insert 1 a peripheral joint lip 13 of plastic material is located elastomer The smooth outer walls of thermoplastic material of the bar mixer 23 and the insert 1 allow cleaning with ease the set of devices, which is especially important for hygienic reasons in household appliances.

During operation, the insert 1 is attached to the outlet end of the bar blender 23. Due to the annular envelope, the insert 1 is held at the outlet end of the bar blender 23, torsion-proof and I overturn. The output shaft of the bar blender 23 is in positive coupling connection with the coupling teeth 7 of the vane cell pump 17. The suction side of the insert 1 sits on a valve device located in a container of preservation for food products. The peripheral seal lip 13 adheres firmly to a smooth peripheral edge of a coupling device of the valve device. During the evacuation of the conservation vessel, the rotor 10 of the insert receives its rotational movement along the axis of
bar blender drive 23.

Fig. 5 shows a second form of embodiment of the present invention, in which it is provided additionally a float zone 29. This avoids the liquid inlet on the vane cell pump 17. In this embodiment, the constructive arrangement of the section of coupling 2 and pump section 3 corresponds essentially with the arrangement described in relation to Figures 1 to 4.

In this embodiment, the pump section 3 is continued with a float section 29. The
Float section 29 is essentially formed by a cylindrical float body 31 of thermoplastic material. The float body 31 has at its lower end a flange 14, which fits into a groove 15 of a sealing lip 13, which forms the suction connection 4.

Inside the float body 31 is provided a spherical float 30. Float 30 is made as a hollow body, so that it floats easily on the liquid that penetrates When the level of fluid in the body of the float 30 reaches a critical value, the bottom hole of the tube of suction 27 is closed by float 30. In this way no liquid penetrates the vane cell pump 17. In order to ensure the aspiration of the air in the container preservation for food products slots are planned additional aspiration 28 at the lower front end of the body of float 31.

Fig. 6 shows a diagram in which it is The evacuation time for a 700 ml container is represented. The time t in seconds is represented in the abscissa, and in the ordered pressure in mbar. At the time t = 0, the pressure in the Inside the vessel is equal to the ambient pressure. To the operating the vacuum pumps lowers the pressure inside the container. The pressure variation over time can be Represent as a logarithmic function. In the embodiment according to the invention, after 5 seconds a pressure in the container of approx. 300 mbar while the comparative devices only achieved pressures of about 500 to 700 mbar. After only 15 seconds it is achieved with the insert element object of the invention a pressure of 200 mbar, which is no longer essentially diminishing. Instead comparative devices only achieve after this time a pressure of about 300 to 400 mbar. This clearly shows the evacuation performance and the speed of the insert object of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. Device for making the vacuum in a conservation container that can be closed by means of a valve, by means of a vacuum pump that can be operated by means of a rotation movement, characterized in that the device is made as an insert (1) for a hand-held household appliance, in particular a hand blender or hand mixer, and having a shaft coupling (7) that can be attached to the drive shaft of the domestic appliance, and by which the vacuum pump can be operated (17). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vacuum pump (17) is made as a vane cell pump, composed of a rotor (10) in which vanes (11) are displaced outwardly against the wall inside a graphite ring (16). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (1) has at its end of the suction side a peripheral joint lip (13) for seating on a connection device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (1) has at its end of the suction side a plug-in body (6), which can slide over the conical end of the outlet side of an electrical appliance of hand. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a float section (29) is provided between the vacuum pump (17) and the sealing lip (13) to prevent liquid from entering the vacuum pump (17 ). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the body of the vacuum pump (17) is formed by a graphite ring and an upper end disk (18) and a lower end disk (12). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotor (10) of the vacuum pump (17) is made of graphite fiber. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the vanes (11) of the vacuum pump (17) are made of graphite. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (5) of the insert (1) is made of a suitable thermoplastic material.