WO2006068396A1

WO2006068396A1 - A multi-purpose blender which can produce vacuum packages, vacuum packing system and multi-purpose apparatus for vacuum packing

Info

Publication number: WO2006068396A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/004394
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jung-Kun AHN
Original assignee: Ahn Joung-Geun
Priority date: 2004-12-20
Filing date: 2005-12-20
Publication date: 2006-06-29

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a multi-purpose blender capable of vacuum packing. According to the present invention, a blender is combined with a vacuum generator to have the functions of both a blender and a vacuum generator, and the vacuum generator is disposed in a support unit serving as a holder, thus affording easy use and storage of the blender, stopping a drive motor using a simple structure when a vacuum-creating operation is completed, and allowing a person to confirm whether or not a vacuum has been created with his or her naked eye.

Description

A MULTI-PURPOSE BLENDER WHICH CAN PRODUCE

VACUUM PACKAGES, VACUUM PACKING SYSTEM AND

MULTI-PURPOSE APPARATUS FOR VACUUM PACKING

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a multi-purpose blender capable of vacuum packing, a vacuum packing system, and a multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus and, more particularly, to a multi-purpose blender capable of vacuum packing, a vacuum packing system, and a multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus in which a blender is combined with a vacuum generator to have the functions of both a blender and a vacuum generator, and the vacuum generator is disposed in a support unit serving as a holder, thus affording easy use and storage of the blender, stopping a drive motor using a simple structure when a vacuum-creating operation is completed, and allowing a person to confirm whether or not a vacuum has been created with his or her naked eye.

[2]

Background Art

[3] The construction of a conventional vacuum generator shown in FIG. 1 will be described below in detail. That is, a drive unit 20 includes a drive motor 22 and a lower coupling 24 which transmits power from the drive motor. The vacuum generator includes a driven coupling 32, bevel gears 33 and 34, and a vacuum pump 39. When the rotating force of the drive motor 22 is transmitted to the drive coupling 24, the drive coupling 24 rotates the driven coupling 32, and the driven coupling 32 rotates the smaller-diameter bevel gear 34 which is positioned at an opposite side along the same axis as the driven coupling 32. The smaller-diameter bevel gear 34 rotates the larger- diameter bevel gear 33, and the larger-diameter bevel gear moves a piston pump rod 35 which is eccentrically provided on a surface of the larger-diameter bevel gear, so that a piston 36 is reciprocated. When the piston 36 reciprocates, air in a vacuum vessel coupled to the vacuum generator via a tube 41 is drawn into a pump inlet part 37. Thereby, the vacuum vessel is vacuum packed.

[4] Reference numeral 60 of FIG. 1 denotes a pressure switch unit. The pressure switch unit is constructed as follows. That is, a cylinder 66 having a piston 62, a rod 64, and a return spring 63 is installed in the vacuum generator 30. A switch 65 is installed in the drive unit 20 so that it contacts the rod 64 when the rod 64 moves downwards. Normally, the switch 65 is closed. A coupling pipe 61 coupled to the pump inlet part 37 of the piston pump is coupled to a side surface of the cylinder 66 having the return spring 63 therein, and an opposite side of the cylinder 66 is opened to the atmosphere. When a vacuum is created in the pump inlet part 37 and a predetermined vacuum pressure is reached, the rod 64 moves downwards by a difference between atmospheric pressure and vacuum pressure which act on both sides of the piston 62 provided in the cylinder 66. After the rod 64 moves downwards to a predetermined position and contacts the switch 65, the electricity of the drive motor 22 is shut off. When a vacuum is released from the pump inlet part 37, the rod 64 returns to its original position by the return spring 63.

[5] Reference numeral 70 of FIG. 1 denotes a vacuum switch unit. The vacuum switch unit 70 includes a locking protrusion 71, a locking groove 73, and a limit switch 72. The locking protrusion 71 is provided on the lower portion of a housing of the vacuum generator 30 in such a way as to protrude in a circular form. The locking groove 73 is provided on the upper portion of the drive unit 20 so that the locking protrusion 71 is inserted into the locking groove 73. When the locking protrusion 71 engages with the locking groove 73, the lower portion of the locking protrusion 71 contacts the limit switch 72 installed in the drive unit 20, thus closing the limit switch 72. Therefore, the drive motor 22 is rotated at a low speed.

[6] The vacuum switch unit 70 is operated only when the vacuum generator 30 is mounted on the upper portion of a blender body 20. When a cutting blade is coupled to the blender body 20, the vacuum switch unit is not operated, but only a blender switch unit 80 is operated, as shown in FIG. 2. The blender switch unit 80 includes a locking protrusion 81, a locking groove 83, and a limit switch 82. The locking protrusion 81 and the locking groove 83 for the blender have different shapes from the locking protrusion 71 and the locking groove 73 for the vacuum generator. The locking protrusion 81 for the blender is always inserted into the locking groove 83 and closes the limit switch 82 for the blender, thus preventing a malfunction of the blender.

[7] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram schematically showing the relationship between a power switch 25 provided on the body 20, the pressure switch 65, the limit switch 72 for the vacuum generator, and the limit switch 82 for the blender. The power switch 25 shuts off a main power supply of the drive motor 22. The pressure switch 65 and the limit switch 72 for the vacuum generator are connected in series. The pressure switch 65 is normally closed, whereas the limit switch 72 for the vacuum generator is normally opened. Thus, when the vacuum generator 30 is combined with the body 20, the limit switch 70 for the vacuum generator is closed, and the drive motor 22 is connected to high resistance Rh, so that the drive motor 22 is operated in a low-speed rotation mode. When a predetermined vacuum pressure required for vacuum packing is reached, the pressure switch 65 is opened, so that the power of the drive motor 22 is shut off. In the low-speed rotation mode, the limit switch 82 for the blender is always opened. The limit switch 82 for the blender is closed when a blender cup 50 is coupled to the body 20, but is opened at normal times. When the limit switch 82 for the blender is closed, the drive motor 22 is coupled to low resistance RI, so that the drive motor 22 is operated in a high-speed rotation mode. In the high-speed rotation mode, the limit switch 72 for the vacuum generator is always opened.

[8]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] A conventional multi-purpose blender capable of vacuum packing, which is constructed as described above, is advantageous in that a drive unit 20 of the blender is detachably coupled to a vacuum generator 30. However, the conventional multipurpose blender is problematic in that it is difficult to store the blender, and liquids may undesirably flow into the vacuum generator, thus causing the malfunction of the vacuum generator.

[10] Further, the conventional multi-purpose blender is problematic in that a complicated construction, including a piston 62, a rod 64, a return spring 63, a cylinder 66, and other components, is required to stop operating a motor, when a vacuum- creating operation is completed.

[11] The conventional multi-purpose blender is problematic in that the vacuum generator is not provided with a device for confirming the presence of vacuum from the outside with the naked eye, so that it is difficult to confirm whether or not a vacuum-creating operation has been completed.

[12]

Technical Solution

[13] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention provides a multi-purpose blender, a vacuum packing system, and a multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus, in which a blender is detachably coupled to a vacuum generator installed in a support unit, and the support unit serves as a holder for holding the blender, thus affording easy storage and use of the blender.

[14] Another object of the present invention provides a multi-purpose blender, a vacuum packing system, and a multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus capable of confirming the progression of a vacuum-creating operation and stopping a drive motor when the vacuum-creating operation is completed, using a very simple structure.

[15] A further object of the present invention provides a multi-purpose blender, a vacuum packing system, and a multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus capable of preventing liquids flowing into the vacuum generator, thus preventing malfunction. [16]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the state where a conventional vacuum gen erator is combined with a drive unit of a blender; [18] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the state where a conventional blender cup is combined with the blender drive unit; [19] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the relationship between conventional switches; [20] FIG. 4 shows a drive unit of a blender according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [21] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a support unit having a vacuum generator therein according to the first embodiment of this invention; [22] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the state where the blender drive unit is combined with the support unit having the vacuum generator therein according to the first embodiment of this invention; [23] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the state where the blender drive unit is combined with a support unit having the vacuum generator therein according to a modification of the first embodiment; [24] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vacuum packing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [25] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the state where the blender drive unit is combined with a cutting blade according to the first embodiment of this invention; [26] FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the state where a drive unit is separated from a support unit having a vacuum generator therein according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [27] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the state where the drive unit is combined with the support unit having the vacuum generator therein according to the second embodiment of this invention; [28] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the coupling of on/off valves according to the second embodiment of this invention; and

[29] FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the third embodiment of the present invention.

[30]

[31] ^Description of reference characters of important parts*

[32] 20: drive unit, 21: switch unit, 21a: low-speed switch, 21b: high-speed switch, 21c: transmission unit, 22: drive motor, 23: shaft, 24: drive coupling, 25: protruding part,

26: vacuum switch, 27: locking protrusion unit, 27a: locking protrusion, 27b: spring,

27c: receiving part, 29: pressure sensor, 28: third air inlet part, 30: vacuum generator, 32: driven coupling, 33: larger-diameter gear, 34: smaller-diameter gear, 33a: bearing, 34a: disc, 35: rod, 36: piston, 37: pump inlet part, 39: vacuum pump, 39a: eccentric rod, 39b: piston rod, 39c: piston, 39d: cylinder, 39e: intake valve, 39f: exhaust valve, 41: tube, 53: driven coupling, 60: pressure switch unit, 61: coupling pipe, 62: piston, 63: spring, 64: rod, 65: switch, 66: cylinder, 70: vacuum switch unit, 71: locking protrusion, 72: limit switch, 73: locking groove, 80: blender switch unit, 81: locking protrusion, 82: limit switch, 83: locking groove, 90: cutting blade, 100: support unit, 101: second contact surface, 102: first tapered part, 103: horizontal part, 104: second tapered part, 105: coupling receiving part, 106: locking button unit, 106a: button receiving part, 106b: button, 106c: rod, 106d: insert groove, 106e: spring, 110: air inlet part, 110a: first air inlet part, I l ia: second air inlet part, 120: liquid reservoir, 130: liquid-collecting channel, 131: handle, 140: vibration-proof part, 150: door, 160: hose holding part, 170: on/off valve, 171: on/off rib, 173: housing, 172: ball, 174: spring, 175a: front opening, 175b: rear opening, 180: display part, 181: elastic bellows part, 182: transparent cap.

[33]

Mode for the Invention

[34] In order to accomplish the objects, the present invention provides a multi-purpose blender capable of vacuum packing, having a blender body including a drive motor and a drive coupling rotated by the drive motor, and a vacuum generator detachably coupled to the blender body and including a driven coupling engaging with the drive coupling to be rotated by the drive coupling and a vacuum pump driven by the driven coupling, wherein the vacuum generator is installed in a support unit, and the support unit is tapered such that a diameter of the support unit is increased in a direction from an upper end thereof to a lower end thereof, and includes an air inlet part communicating with a pump inlet part of the vacuum pump.

[35] Preferably, a liquid reservoir is positioned between the pump inlet part of the vacuum pump and the air inlet part, and a liquid-collecting channel is detachably mounted to the liquid reservoir.

[36] In order to accomplish the objects, the present invention provides a multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus, including a drive unit having a drive motor, and a drive coupling rotated by the drive motor; a support unit detachably coupled to the drive unit; a vacuum generator having a driven coupling engaging with the drive coupling and a vacuum pump operated by the driven coupling, and installed in the support unit; a first air inlet part formed in the support unit to communicate with the vacuum pump; an intake passage coupling the first air inlet part to the vacuum pump; a second air inlet part formed in the support unit to communicate with the vacuum pump; a pressure sensor mounted to a portion outside the second air inlet part; and a sensing passage coupling the pressure sensor to the vacuum pump.

[37] Preferably, the pressure sensor is a mechanical sensor made of an elastic material which is expanded or contracted by air pressure.

[38] Further, the pressure sensor is installed in the drive unit, and a third air inlet part is formed in an outer portion of the drive unit to communicate with the second air inlet part.

[39] An on/off valve is mounted to the second air inlet part or the third air inlet part.

The on/off valve includes a housing; openings formed in opposite sides of the housing; a spring located in the housing; and a ball biased in a direction closing one of the openings via the spring.

[40] Further, a sealing rib made of an elastic material is coupled to the second air inlet part or the third air inlet part. A hose is coupled to the first air inlet part, a door is mounted to a surface of the support unit, and a hose holding part is defined inside the door and holds the hose coupled to the first air inlet part therein.

[41] A vibration-proof part is mounted to a lower portion of the support unit. The vibration-proof part is a rubber suction plate.

[42] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[43] <First Embodiment

[44] FIG. 4 shows a drive unit 20 of a blender. The drive unit 20 constitutes a body 20 of the blender, so that the drive unit and the body carry the same reference numeral. Since the drive unit 20 is identical to the blender body 20 of FIG. 1 , which was published in Korean Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-0028105, the drive unit 20 will not be described in detail herein. The drive unit is not limited to the drive unit shown in the Korean Laid-Open Publication, and may have any shape, as long as it transmits rotating force from the drive motor through a coupling.

[45] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a support unit 100 and a vacuum generator 30 installed in the support unit 100. Since the construction and operational principle of the vacuum generator 30 according to the present invention remain the same as the vacuum generator published in Korean Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-0028105, except that the vacuum generator 30 of this invention is installed in the support unit 100, the construction of the vacuum generator 30 will not be described below in detail. In this case, the vacuum generator is not limited to the specific form disclosed in the embodiment of the Laid-Open Publication. That is, various kinds of vacuum generators including a vacuum generator disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0450852 may be used, as long as rotating force is transmitted from the drive motor through the coupling to the vacuum generator, thereby drawing air into the vacuum generator. [46] According to the present invention, the support unit 100 having the vacuum generator 30 therein is tapered such that the diameter of the support unit 100 is increased in a direction from the upper end thereof to the lower end thereof. An air inlet part 110 is formed in a side of the support unit 100. The air inlet part 110 is formed to communicate with a pump inlet part 37, and protrudes outwards so that a tube 41 is inserted into the air inlet part 110.

[47] A vibration-proof part 140 is mounted to the lowermost portion of the support unit.

The vibration-proof part 140 is made of an elastic material, preferably vibration-proof rubber. The vibration-proof part 140 functions to absorb vibration or noise caused by the operation of a vacuum pump 39.

[48] As shown in FIG. 7, a liquid reservoir 120 may be provided in the support unit 100.

Referring to FIG. 7, the liquid reservoir 120 having a predetermined space is defined between the air inlet part 110 and the pump inlet part 37, unlike the embodiment where the air inlet part 110 is directly connected to the pump inlet part 37, as shown in FIG. 6. A liquid-collecting channel 130 is provided on the lower portion of the liquid reservoir 120 to collect liquids therein. The liquid-collecting channel 130 slides along the support unit 100 to move out from the support unit 100. Preferably, a handle 131 is provided on the outer surface of the liquid-collecting channel 130 to allow the liquid- collecting channel 130 to be easily put into or taken out from the support unit 100.

[49] The liquid-collecting channel 130 may move out of the support unit 100. Thus, in the case where the liquid-collecting channel 130 is inserted into the support unit 100, a gap through which air escapes may be formed between the liquid-collecting channel 130 and the support unit 100. Such a gap hinders a smooth vacuum packing operation, so that it is important to prevent an air-escaping gap from being formed between the outer surface of the liquid-collecting channel 130 and the support unit 100.

[50] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the state where the blender body 20, that is, the drive unit 20, is combined with the vacuum generator 30 installed in the support unit 100. When the drive unit 20 is combined with the vacuum generator 30, a locking protrusion 71 provided on the upper portion of the vacuum generator 30 is inserted into a locking groove 73 of the drive unit 20. Since the drive unit 20 and the vacuum generator 30 are combined at a precise position via the locking protrusion 71 and the locking groove 73, a driven coupling 32 accurately engages with a drive coupling 24.

[51] Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention constructed as described above will be described.

[52] First, as shown in FIG. 8, a vacuum vessel having a cup 8 and a vessel lid 9 is coupled to the air inlet part 110 of the support unit 100 via the tube 41. Next, the drive unit 20 is mounted on the upper portion of the vacuum generator 30 installed in the support unit. A cross-section of the combined drive unit and vacuum generator is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. At this time, the locking protrusion 71 provided on the upper portion of the vacuum generator 30 actuates a limit switch 72, thus driving a drive motor 22. When the drive motor 22 is driven, the drive coupling 24 rotates, and the driven coupling 32 engaging with the drive coupling 24 also rotates.

[53] Herein, the component provided at an upper position is called the drive coupling 24 and the component provided at a lower position is called the driven coupling 32, so that they correspond to the terms of the components of FIG. 2 showing the prior art.

[54] When the driven coupling 32 rotates, a smaller-diameter gear 34, located at an opposite side along the same axis, is rotated. The smaller-diameter gear 34 rotates a larger-diameter gear 33. The larger-diameter gear 33 moves a rod 35 eccentrically mounted to the larger-diameter gear and a piston 36 coupled to the rod 35. When the piston 36 reciprocates, air is drawn through the air inlet part 110 to the pump inlet part 37. Since the air inlet part 110 is coupled to the vacuum vessel through the tube 41, ak^¬ in the vacuum vessel is drawn to the pump inlet part 37.

[55] In the embodiment where the liquid reservoir 120 is provided in the support unit

100, liquid is collected in the liquid-collecting channel 130 when air fed into the air inlet part 110 flows to the pump inlet part 37. Thus, liquid does not flow to the pump 39, thus preventing the malfunction of the vacuum generator 30.

[56] The liquid-collecting channel 130 may be separated from the support unit 100 by grasping the handle 131 and sliding the liquid-collecting channel 130 out of the support unit 100. Thus, after the collected liquid is dumped, the liquid-collecting channel 130 is inserted into the support unit 100 again so as to be reused.

[57] When a vacuum has been created in the vacuum vessel 8, a rod 64 of a pressure switch unit 60 moves upwards due to a pressure difference, thus contacting a switch 65. Thereby, the drive motor 22 is automatically stopped. The construction of such a pressure switch unit 60 is described in detail in Korean Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-0028105.

[58] When a user desires to use the drive unit 20 as the blender, a cutting blade 90 is combined with the drive unit 20, as shown in FIG. 9. The combining method is identical to the method of combining the drive unit 20 with the vacuum generator 30.

[59] When the drive unit 20 is not in use, the drive unit 20 is stored by mounting it on the upper portion of the vacuum generator 30 installed in the support unit 100. In this case, the support unit 100 simply serves as a holder for holding the drive unit, thus affording easy storage of the drive unit.

[60] <Second Embodiment

[61] FIG. 10 shows the state where a drive unit 20 of a blender is separated from a support unit 100. Since the drive unit 20 constitutes a blender body, the drive unit 20 and the blender body carry the same reference numeral. [62] A drive motor 22 is installed in the drive unit 20, and a drive coupling 24 is coupled to the drive motor 22. A pressure sensor 29 is located above the drive motor 22. When a vacuum created in a vacuum vessel is detected by the pressure sensor 29, the drive motor 22 is stopped. Since the pressure sensor communicates with a vacuum pump 39 and an intake passage 38a through a sensing passage 38b which will be described below, it may measure the vacuum level of the vacuum vessel (not shown) to be vacuum packed. A passage defined between the pressure sensor 29, the vacuum vessel (not shown), and the vacuum pump 39 will be described later. Preferably, the pressure sensor 29 uses an electronic sensor, and sends a signal indicating the termination of a vacuum-creating operation to a control unit (not shown), so that the control unit (not shown) stops the drive motor 22. Since a construction wherein a vacuum level is detected by the pressure sensor 29, and the drive motor 22 is stopped in response to the detected signal has been widely used in the art, the method of stopping the drive motor using the pressure sensor will not be described in detail herein.

[63] A protruding part 25 is provided on the lower portion of the drive unit 20 in such a way as to protrude from the central portion of the drive unit 20. A first contact surface 26 is provided on the outer edge of the protruding part 25 such that it does not protrude from the drive unit 20.

[64] A switch unit 21 is provided on the outer surface of the drive unit 20. The switch unit includes a transmission unit 21c, a low-speed switch 21a, and a high-speed switch 21b. In the state where the low-speed switch 21a is turned on, the transmission unit 21c may be rotated to change the speed of the drive unit 20. Further, in the state where the high-speed switch 21b is turned on, the transmission unit may be rotated to change the speed of the drive unit 20. A vacuum switch 23 is located at the first contact surface 26 which is provided on the lower end of the drive unit 20. The vacuum switch 23 is pressed by a second contact surface 101 of the support unit 100, when the drive unit 20 is combined with the support unit 100, so that the vacuum switch 23 is turned on. When the vacuum switch 23 is turned on, the drive motor 22 rotates at a speed which is suitable for operating the vacuum pump 39. When the drive unit 20 is combined with a cutting blade (not shown) so as to be used as a blender, high-speed rotation is required. Conversely, when the drive unit 20 is combined with the vacuum generator 30 so as to operate the vacuum pump 39, relatively low-speed rotation is required. Thus, when the vacuum switch 23 is turned on, the drive motor 22 is rotated at a preset speed (low-speed) for operating the vacuum pump 39. In this case, the drive motor 22 may rotate as soon as the vacuum switch 23 is turned on. Alternatively, when the vacuum switch 23 is turned on, only the rotating speed of the drive motor may be set to a low speed which is suitable for driving the pump, and the drive motor 22 may not be operated until the low-speed switch 23a is turned on. In this case, the vacuum switch 23 may not be positioned at the first contact surface 26. That is, the vacuum switch 23 may be installed at any position, as long as the vacuum switch 23 contacts the support unit 100.

[65] The drive coupling 24 is provided on the central portion of the protruding part 25, and a locking protrusion unit 27 is mounted to a side surface of the protruding part 25. The locking protrusion unit 27 includes a spring 27b housed in a receiving part 27c, and a locking protrusion 27a biased outwards by the spring 27b. The locking protrusion 27a protrudes out of the sidewall of the protruding part 25 by the spring 27b. When an external force overcoming the elastic force of the spring 27b acts on the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion 27a is retracted into the receiving part 27c.

[66] A third air inlet part 28 is formed in the first contact surface 26, and is coupled to the pressure sensor 29. A passage, coupling the pressure sensor 29 with the third air inlet part, forms a part of the sensing passage 38b.

[67] The drive unit 20 constructed as described above is detachably mounted to the support unit 100, and the vacuum generator 30 is installed in the support unit 100. That is, the support unit 100 serves as a housing for the vacuum generator 30.

[68] The support unit 100 includes the second contact surface 101, a first tapered part

102, a horizontal part 103, and a second tapered part 104. The second contact surface

101 is located at the uppermost position of the support unit 100. The first tapered part

102 is tapered such that a diameter of the first tapered part is increased in a direction from the upper end thereof to the lower end thereof. The horizontal part 103 is provided on the lower end of the first tapered part 102. The second tapered part 104 is tapered such that a diameter of the second tapered part is increased in a direction from the horizontal part 103 to a lower position.

[69] A coupling receiving part 105 is concavely formed in the central portion of the second contact surface 101. A locking button unit 106 is provided on the side surface of the coupling receiving part 105 to correspond to the locking protrusion unit 27 of the drive unit.

[70] The locking button unit 106 includes a button receiving part 106a, a spring 106e, a button 106b, a rod 106c, and an insert groove 106d. The button receiving part 106a is formed inside the first tapered part 102. The spring 106e is accommodated in the button receiving part 106a. The button 106b is biased by the spring 106e in such a way as to protrude out of the second tapered part 102. The rod 106c is coupled to an end of the button 106b. The insert groove 106d passes through the coupling receiving part 105 and the button receiving part 106a such that the rod 106c slides along the insert groove. The locking protrusion 27a of the locking protrusion unit 27 is inserted into the insert groove 106d. [71] When the drive unit 20 is combined with the support unit 100, the locking protrusion 27a of the drive unit is inserted into the insert groove 106d, so that the drive unit 20 is firmly coupled to the support unit 100. Meanwhile, when the drive unit is released from the support unit, the button 106d is pressed so that the rod 106c slides. By the sliding motion of the rod 106c, the locking protrusion 27a is removed from the insert groove 106d. It is preferable that a pair of locking protrusion units 27 and a pair of locking button units 106 be provided at opposite positions.

[72] The driven coupling 32 engaging with the drive coupling 24 is provided in the coupling receiving part 105.

[73] The driven coupling 32 is one of components of the vacuum generator 30 which is installed in the support unit 100. The vacuum generator 30 includes the driven coupling 32, a disc 34a provided at an opposite side along the same axis with the driven coupling 32, and the vacuum pump 39 operated by the rotation of the disc 34a.

[74] A rotating shaft provided between the driven coupling 32 and the disc 34a is smoothly rotated by a bearing 33a.

[75] The vacuum pump 39 includes an eccentric rod 39a, a piston rod 39b, and a cylinder 39d. The eccentric rod 39a is eccentrically mounted to the disc 34a. The piston rod 39b is perpendicularly coupled to the eccentric rod 39a, with an end of the piston rod 39b being coupled to a piston 39c. The piston 39c is accommodated in the cylinder 39d. The vacuum pump 39 communicates with a first air inlet part 110a and a second air inlet part I l ia. An exhaust valve 38f and an intake valve 39e located in a pump inlet side are coupled to the cylinder 39d. Since the construction of the vacuum pump 39 used for vacuum packing is known through Korean Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-0028105 and others, and the vacuum pump has been widely used, the vacuum pump will not be described herein in detail.

[76] The second air inlet part 11 Ia is formed in the second contact surface, and communicates with the third air inlet part 28. The second air inlet part I l ia communicates with the vacuum pump 39 via the sensing passage 38b. When the second air inlet part I l ia communicates with the third air inlet part 28, the sensing passage 38b communicates with the pressure sensor through the third air inlet part 28.

[77] Preferably, an on/off valve 170 is mounted to each of the second air inlet part I l ia and the third air inlet part 28. The on/off valve 170 includes a housing 173, a ball 172 accommodated in the housing, and a spring 174 supporting the ball 172, as shown in the sectional views of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[78] The housing 173 is tapered such that the diameter of the housing is increased in a direction from the front portion thereof to the rear portion thereof. A front opening 175a and a rear opening 175b are formed in both sides of the housing, that is, front and rear portions of the housing. The ball 172 positioned in the housing 173 is biased forwards by the spring 174 which is positioned in back of the ball 172. The ball 172 has a larger diameter than the uppermost end of the tapered housing, so that it is not undesirably removed from the housing. An on/off rib 171 protrudes forwards from the front opening 175a. In this case, the on/off rib 171 comprises a pair of on/off ribs 171 which face each other.

[79] FIG. 12 shows the state where the on/off valve 170 located at the third air inlet part

28 of the drive unit 20 is coupled to the on/off valve 28 located at the second air inlet part 11 Ia of the support unit 100, when the drive unit 20 is combined with the support unit 100. Referring to FIG. 12, the on/off valves 170 are coupled to each other such that the on/off ribs 171 cross each other. Thus, each on/off rib 171 is inserted into the housing 173 of another on/off valve 170, thus moving each ball 172 backwards, therefore defining a passage.

[80] A door 150 is rotatably mounted to the second tapered part 104 via a hinge, thus opening or closing the support unit. A hose holding part 160 is defined inside the door so that a hose 41 is held in the hose holding part 160. The hose holding part 160 is defined between the second tapered part including the door 150 and a sidewall 109 provided in the support unit 100. The sidewall 109 is located between the hose holding part 160 ad the vacuum generator 30. One end of the hose 41 held in the hose holding part 160 is connected to the first air inlet part 110a, and the other end of the hose 41 is connected to an external vacuum vessel (not shown), so that the hose 41 serves as a passage through which air flows.

[81] The first air inlet part 110a is formed in the sidewall 109. The first air inlet part

110a is formed in the sidewall 109 provided in the hose holding part 160, and is connected to the vacuum pump 39 through the intake passage 38a. The intake passage 38a is a passage coupling the vacuum pump 39 with the first air inlet part 110a.

[82] Preferably, vibration-proof parts 140 are mounted to the lowermost portion of the support unit 100 to absorb noise or vibration, and are made of an elastic material. It is preferable that each vibration-proof part 140 comprise a rubber suction plate 140. The rubber suction plate 140 has a tapered outer surface such that the diameter of the rubber suction plate is increased in a direction from the upper end to the lower end, and is made of rubber having a predetermined thickness. When the rubber suction plate 140 is used as each vibration-proof part 140, it is capable of absorbing noise and vibration. Further, the rubber suction plate 140 serves to firmly support the support unit on a dining table or a counter.

[83] In this case, the vacuum vessel uses a conventional vacuum vessel which has a cup containing food therein and a lid having a vacuum valve. For example, it is possible to use a vacuum vessel published on Korean U.M. Registration No. 20-032153.

[84] The operation of this embodiment will be described below. [85] First, a user places the drive unit (blender body) on the support unit, as shown in

FIG. 10. At this time, the drive coupling 24 and the driven coupling 32 engage with each other such that power is transmitted therebetween. The first contact surface 26 of the drive unit contacts the second contact surface 101 of the support unit, so that the second air inlet part 11 Ia is coupled to the third air inlet part 28. At this time, the on/ off ribs 105 of the on/off valves 170 mounted to the second air inlet part I l ia and the third air inlet part 28 push the corresponding balls 172, so that the second air inlet part communicates with the third air inlet part.

[86] The state where the drive unit 20 is combined with the support unit 100 is shown in

FIG. 11.

[87] In such a state, the user opens the door 150 of the support unit 100 and pulls the hose 41 connected at one end thereof to the first air inlet part 110a. Next, the other end of the hose 41 is connected to the vacuum vessel (not shown) to be vacuum packed.

[88] Thereafter, when the switch is turned on to operate the drive motor, the rotating force of the drive motor 22 is sequentially transmitted to the drive coupling 24 and the driven coupling 32. As the driven coupling 32 rotates, the disc 34a provided at an opposite side along the same axis as the driven coupling 32 is also rotated. As the disc 34a rotates, the eccentric rod 39a eccentrically mounted to the disc 34a is rotated. By the rotation of the eccentric rod 39a, the piston rod 39b which is perpendicularly coupled to the eccentric rod 39a moves leftwards and rightwards. The horizontal movement of the piston rod 39b induces the reciprocating motion of the piston 39c. As the piston 39c reciprocates in the cylinder 39d, air is drawn through the first air inlet part 110a and the second air inlet part I l ia.

[89] In this case, the first air inlet part 110a is connected to the vacuum vessel to be vacuum packed via the hose 41, so that a vacuum packing operation is executed. When air has been evacuated from the vacuum vessel, the pressure sensor 29 installed in the blender body 20 detects that the air evacuating operation is completed, thus stopping the drive motor 22.

[90] The user may perform a vacuum packing operation through the above-mentioned method. When the vacuum packing operation is completed, the hose 41 is put into the hose holding part 160 and the door 150 is closed. The support unit 100 is stored, with the blender body 20 mounted on the support unit. According to this invention, the blender body 20 is stored while being placed on the support unit 100. Further, it is convenient to treat the hose 41 or the like, thus affording simple and easy storage.

[91] According to this embodiment, the second air inlet part I l ia and the third air inlet part 28 are positioned at the second contact surface 101 and the first contact surface 26, respectively. However, the second air inlet part I l ia and the third air inlet part 28 may be provided at any positions where the drive unit 20 and the support unit 100 contact each other.

[92] <Third Embodiment

[93] FIG. 13 shows the third embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the third air inlet part 28 and the pressure sensor 29 are removed from the drive unit, and the on/off valve 170 coupled to the second air inlet part 11 is removed from the vacuum generator 30. [94] That is, the third embodiment is not provided with a construction for detecting a vacuum level and automatically stopping the drive motor 22. [95] Instead of the construction, a different type of pressure sensor 180 is mounted to the second air inlet part I l ia, thus allowing a user to confirm a vacuum-creating operation visually. [96] To this end, the pressure sensor 180 includes an elastic bellows part 181 and a transparent cap 182 covering the elastic bellows part 181. [97] The elastic bellows part 182 is made of an elastic material continuously having bent parts on both side surfaces thereof. The elastic bellows part 182 contracts and expands in a vertical direction by air pressure. [98] That is, when the vacuum-creating operation has been terminated at a side around the first air inlet part, a downward pulling force acts on the elastic bellows part 182 due to atmospheric pressure. At this time, the bent parts are continuously formed on the side surface of the elastic bellow part 182, so that the bent parts are folded. Thereby, the elastic bellows part 182 completely contracts downwards. However, when a vacuum is released, the elastic bellows part 182 is restored to its original shape due to its elastic force. [99] The operation of the third embodiment is identical to that of the second embodiment, except that the drive motor 22 is not stopped automatically but is stopped by manually turning off a switch, after a user sees a display part and confirms that the vacuum-creating operation is completed. [100]

Industrial Applicability [101] According to the present invention, a vacuum generator is installed in a support unit, and the support unit serves as a holder for holding a drive unit of a blender, thus allowing the blender drive unit and the vacuum generator to be easily stored. [102] Further, the vacuum generator is accommodated in the support unit, so that an additional storing device is not required, thus reducing costs for manufacturing the storing device. [103] A liquid reservoir is defined in the support unit, thus preventing liquid from flowing to the vacuum generator, therefore preventing the malfunction of the vacuum generator. [104] A liquid-collecting channel is detachably mounted to the liquid reservoir, thus allowing liquid to be easily dumped, and allowing the liquid-collecting channel to be easily cleaned. [105] Further, a vibration-proof part reduces vibration and noise generated by the vacuum generator. [106] When a vacuum-creating operation is completed, a drive motor can be stopped through a simple construction having a passage without a complex construction. [107] Further, an on/off valve is provided in each of a second air inlet part and a third air inlet part, thus preventing the inflow of impurities at normal times. [108] Further, a display part is installed, thus allowing a user to confirm whether a vacuum is created or not with his or her naked eye through an inexpensive and simple construction.

Claims

[ 1 ] A multi-purpose blender capable of vacuum packing, having a blender body including a drive motor and a drive coupling rotated by the drive motor, and a vacuum generator detachably coupled to the blender body and including a driven coupling engaging with the drive coupling to be rotated by the drive coupling and a vacuum pump driven by the driven coupling, wherein the vacuum generator is installed in a support unit, and the support unit is tapered such that a diameter of the support unit is increased in a direction from an upper end thereof to a lower end thereof, and comprises an air inlet part communicating with a pump inlet part of the vacuum pump.

[2] The multi-purpose blender according to claim 1 , wherein a liquid reservoir is positioned between the pump inlet part of the vacuum pump and the air inlet part.

[3] The multi-purpose blender according to claim 2, wherein a liquid-collecting channel is detachably mounted to the liquid reservoir.

[4] The multi-purpose blender according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a vibration-proof part is mounted to a lower portion of the support unit.

[5] A vacuum packing system, comprising: a vacuum vessel; a blender body having a drive motor and a drive coupling rotated by the drive motor; a vacuum generator detachably coupled to the blender body, and having a driven coupling engaging with the drive coupling to be rotated by the drive coupling and a vacuum pump driven by the driven coupling; a support unit tapered such that a diameter of the support unit is increased in a direction from an upper end thereof to a lower end thereof, and having an air inlet part communicating with a pump inlet part of the vacuum pump, the vacuum generator being installed in the support unit; and a tube coupling the air inlet part of the support unit to the vacuum vessel.

[6] A multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus, comprising: a drive unit having a drive motor, and a drive coupling rotated by the drive motor; a support unit detachably coupled to the drive unit; a vacuum generator having a driven coupling engaging with the drive coupling and a vacuum pump operated by the driven coupling, and installed in the support unit; a first air inlet part formed in the support unit to communicate with the vacuum pump; an intake passage coupling the first air inlet part to the vacuum pump; a second air inlet part formed in the support unit to communicate with the vacuum pump; a pressure sensor mounted to a portion outside the second air inlet part; and a sensing passage coupling the pressure sensor to the vacuum pump. [7] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a mechanical sensor made of an elastic material which is expanded or contracted by air pressure. [8] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pressure sensor is installed in the drive unit, and a third air inlet part is formed in an outer portion of the drive unit to communicate with the second air inlet part. [9] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an on/off valve is mounted to the second air inlet part or the third air inlet part. [10] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the on/off valve comprises: a housing; openings formed in opposite sides of the housing; a spring located in the housing; and a ball biased in a direction closing one of the openings via the spring. [11] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a sealing rib made of an elastic material is coupled to the second air inlet part or the third air inlet part. [12] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 6 or 8, wherein a hose is coupled to the first air inlet part, a door is mounted to a surface of the support unit, and a hose holding part is defined inside the door, and holds the hose coupled to the first air inlet part therein. [13] The multi-purpose vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 6 or 8, wherein a vibration-proof part is mounted to a lower portion of the support unit.