Vacuum preservation devices and refrigerators

Abstract

This invention provides a vacuum preservation device and a refrigerator. The vacuum preservation device includes a lid; a vacuum pump assembly suspended within the lid; and a preservation box detachably connected to the lower part of the lid, with the vacuum pump assembly communicating with the preservation box. The vacuum preservation device and refrigerator provided by this invention reduce noise caused by the vacuum pump by suspending the vacuum pump assembly on the lid, while ensuring reliable fixation of the vacuum pump assembly. Simultaneously, the use of an energy storage mechanism to power the vacuum pump avoids insufficient reserve power in the refrigerator. Furthermore, a higher-power vacuum pump can be selected for vacuuming, thereby increasing the vacuum rate of the preservation box. The raised structure on the preservation box facilitates communication between the box and the vacuum pump assembly, as well as the movement of the preservation box and observation of the air pressure inside, further enhancing the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a vacuum preservation device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Since the invention of the refrigerator, preservation has been a hot development direction. Refrigerator manufacturers have explored various methods, including modified atmosphere preservation, photosynthetic preservation, sterilization preservation, and vacuum preservation. However, apart from basic sterilization preservation, few solutions have achieved widespread adoption and consumer acceptance. This is because these solutions suffer from various problems that hinder their promotion. In recent years, more refrigerators have incorporated vacuum technology. However, vacuuming requires a vacuum pump. Embedding the vacuum pump directly into the refrigerator door results in significant noise and vibration, often leading to a decline in user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the technical problem that excessive noise from vacuum pumps during operation affects the user experience in the prior art, a vacuum preservation device and refrigerator are provided in which the vacuum pump assembly is suspended to reduce vibration and noise.

[0004] A vacuum preservation device, comprising:

[0005] Cover;

[0006] A vacuum pump assembly, which is suspended on the cover;

[0007] A food storage container, which is detachably connected to the lid, and a vacuum pump assembly that can communicate with the food storage container to evacuate it.

[0008] The vacuum pump assembly includes a vacuum pump, a vacuum pump mounting plate, and a suspension connector. The vacuum pump mounting plate is connected to the cover via the suspension connector, and the vacuum pump is mounted on the vacuum pump mounting plate.

[0009] The vacuum pump assembly further includes a limiting mechanism surrounding the vacuum pump and the vacuum pump mounting plate to secure the vacuum pump to the vacuum pump mounting plate.

[0010] The suspension connector includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the cover and the other end of which is connected to the vacuum pump mounting plate.

[0011] The vacuum preservation device also includes an energy storage mechanism, which is disposed inside the cover and is electrically connected to the vacuum pump.

[0012] A micro switch is provided on the cover, and the micro switch is electrically connected to the vacuum pump assembly.

[0013] The lower surface of the cover is recessed to form a first groove, and an air extraction port is provided in the first groove. The vacuum pump assembly is connected to the air extraction port. The upper end of the food storage box is provided with a protruding structure, and the protruding structure is provided with an opening. The protruding structure can extend into the first groove so that the air extraction port is connected to the opening.

[0014] The first groove has a bottom plate and a first side plate, the first side plate being rotatably disposed on the bottom plate, and the air extraction port being disposed on the first side plate.

[0015] The vacuum preservation device also includes a pressure detection mechanism, which is disposed on the protruding structure and is capable of obtaining the air pressure inside the preservation box.

[0016] The protruding structure has a detection port, and a deformation element is provided at the detection port, which constitutes the pressure detection mechanism.

[0017] A silicone valve is provided at the opening, and the silicone valve can be connected to the air extraction port.

[0018] The cover includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which are interlocked to form a receiving cavity. The vacuum pump assembly is disposed in the receiving cavity and is suspended on the upper cover.

[0019] A refrigerator comprising the aforementioned vacuum preservation device.

[0020] The vacuum preservation device and refrigerator provided by this invention reduce the noise caused by the vacuum pump by suspending the vacuum pump assembly on the lid, while ensuring reliable fixation of the vacuum pump assembly. At the same time, the use of an energy storage mechanism to power the vacuum pump avoids insufficient reserve power of the refrigerator. It also allows the selection of a higher power vacuum pump for vacuuming, thereby increasing the vacuum rate of the preservation box. The raised structure on the preservation box facilitates the connection between the preservation box and the vacuum pump assembly, and also facilitates the movement of the preservation box and the observation of the air pressure inside the preservation box, further enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vacuum preservation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover and vacuum pump assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vacuum pump mounting plate and suspension connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vacuum pump assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a food storage container provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum preservation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1. Lid; 2. Vacuum pump assembly; 3. Food storage container; 21. Vacuum pump; 22. Vacuum pump mounting plate; 23. Suspension connector; 24. Limiting mechanism; 4. Energy storage mechanism; 5. Micro switch; 11. First groove; 12. Air extraction port; 31. Protruding structure; 32. Opening; 111. Base plate; 112. First side plate; 33. Detection port; 34. Deformation component. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 6 The vacuum preservation device shown includes: a lid 1; a vacuum pump assembly 2 suspended from the lid 1; and a preservation box 3 detachably connected to the lid 1, wherein the vacuum pump assembly 2 can communicate with the preservation box 3 to evacuate it. By suspending the vacuum pump assembly 2 from the lid 1, the vibration of the vacuum pump assembly 2 is difficult to transmit, thereby reducing the noise caused by the vacuum pump while ensuring reliable fixation of the vacuum pump assembly 2, effectively improving the user experience.

[0032] The vacuum pump assembly 2 includes a vacuum pump 21, a vacuum pump mounting plate 22, and a suspension connector 23. The vacuum pump mounting plate 22 is connected to the cover 1 via the suspension connector 23, and the vacuum pump 21 is mounted on the vacuum pump mounting plate 22. The vacuum pump mounting plate 22 reliably fixes and limits the vacuum pump 21, while the suspension connector 23 suspends both the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 and the vacuum pump 21. This ensures that the vibration of the vacuum pump 21 is primarily transmitted between the vacuum pump 21 and the vacuum pump mounting plate 22, and is not transmitted to structures such as the cover 1, preventing greater noise.

[0033] Preferably, the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 is made of rubber material.

[0034] Furthermore, the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 is provided with vibration damping ribs, and the vacuum pump 21 abuts against the vibration damping ribs. The vibration damping ribs further reduce the transmission of vibration of the vacuum pump 21, thereby further reducing noise.

[0035] The vacuum pump assembly 2 also includes an end plate located at the end of the vacuum pump 21. The end plate and the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 form a receiving groove that partially encloses the vacuum pump 21. The end plate is provided with a through hole, through which the suction pipe of the vacuum pump 21 communicates with the outside of the receiving groove. The end plate further limits the vacuum pump 21, ensuring that the vacuum pump 21 is reliably fixed.

[0036] The vacuum pump assembly 2 further includes a limiting mechanism 24, which surrounds the vacuum pump 21 and the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 to fix the vacuum pump 21 to the vacuum pump mounting plate 22. The limiting mechanism 24 secures the vacuum pump 21 and the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 into a single unit, ensuring reliable fixation of the vacuum pump 21. Preferably, the limiting mechanism 24 is a cable tie.

[0037] The suspension connector 23 includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the cover 1, and the other end of which is connected to the vacuum pump mounting plate 22. When the vacuum pump 21 vibrates, the spring can extend, retract, and swing to counteract the vibration, thereby effectively reducing the noise caused by the vibration of the vacuum pump 21.

[0038] The vacuum pump assembly 2 also includes a base, and the vacuum pump mounting plate 22 is suspended on the base by a suspension connector 23. The base is detachably mounted on the upper surface of the cover 1, thereby reliably suspending the vacuum pump 21 and facilitating its disassembly.

[0039] The vacuum preservation device also includes an energy storage mechanism 4, which is disposed inside the cover 1 and is electrically connected to the vacuum pump 21. Using the energy storage mechanism 4 to supply power to the vacuum pump 21 avoids insufficient reserve power in the refrigerator and allows for the selection of a higher-power vacuum pump 21 for vacuuming, thereby increasing the vacuum rate of the preservation box 3.

[0040] A microswitch 5 is provided on the lid 1, and the microswitch 5 is electrically connected to the vacuum pump assembly 2. Preferably, after the food preservation box 3 is connected to the lid 1, the food preservation box 3 triggers the microswitch 5. The microswitch 5 is used to start and stop the vacuum pump 21, which has a high degree of automation.

[0041] The lower surface of the cover 1 has a recessed first groove 11, within which an air extraction port 12 is provided. The vacuum pump assembly 2 communicates with the air extraction port 12. The upper end of the food storage container 3 has a protruding structure 31 with an opening 32, which extends into the first groove 11 to connect the air extraction port 12 with the opening 32. When the food storage container 3 is connected to the cover 1, the protruding structure 31 extends into the first groove 11, connecting the air extraction port 12 with the opening 32, thus facilitating the connection between the vacuum pump 21 and the food storage container 3.

[0042] Preferably, the micro switch 5 is disposed in the first groove 11. When the protrusion 31 extends into the first groove 11, the protrusion 31 can trigger the micro switch 5 to start the vacuum pump 21 and directly evacuate the food storage box 3 without manual control.

[0043] Specifically, the vacuum pump assembly 2 also includes a control device, which is located inside the cover 1 and is electrically connected to the micro switch 5 and the vacuum pump 21. The control device can control the vacuum pump 21 to start and stop according to the control signal of the micro switch 5.

[0044] Optionally, the control device delays the control signal of the micro switch 5 to achieve delayed start and stop of the vacuum pump 21, avoiding damage to the vacuum pump 21 caused by the vacuum pump 21 starting when the food container 3 is not installed properly, and further improving the user experience.

[0045] The first groove 11 has a base plate 111 and a first side plate 112. The first side plate 112 is rotatably mounted on the base plate 111, and the suction port 12 is mounted on the first side plate 112. Using the rotatable first side plate 112, after the protruding structure 31 extends into the first groove 11, rotating the first side plate 112 towards the protruding structure 31 causes the suction port 12 to gradually approach the opening 32 and eventually engage with and communicate with the opening 32. When it is necessary to disassemble the food storage container 3, rotating the first side plate 112 away from the protruding structure 31 disengages the suction port 12 from the opening 32. The first side plate 112 facilitates the engagement of the protruding structure 31 with the first groove 11 and also facilitates communication between the vacuum pump 21 and the food storage container 3.

[0046] The vacuum preservation device also includes a pressure detection mechanism, which is mounted on the raised structure 31 and can measure the air pressure inside the preservation container 3. This pressure detection mechanism allows users to easily observe the sealing condition of the preservation container 3 and promptly re-vacuum any leaks.

[0047] The protruding structure 31 has a detection port 33, and a deformation element 34 is provided at the detection port 33. The deformation element 34 constitutes the pressure detection mechanism. The deformation generated by the deformation element 34 is used to determine the air pressure inside the food storage container 3. The larger the indentation of the deformation element 34, the lower the air pressure inside the food storage container 3. The smaller the indentation of the deformation element 34, the more likely it is that the vacuum inside the food storage container 3 is insufficient or that there is an air leakage problem.

[0048] A silicone valve is provided at the opening 32, which can connect to the air extraction port 12. During extraction, the external air pressure decreases. When the external air pressure is lower than the air pressure inside the food storage container 3, the edge of the silicone valve lifts up, and gas flows out through the air guide groove. After extraction stops, the silicone valve is pressed shut by the air pressure, completing the seal. When it is necessary to restore the air pressure inside the container, pressing the top of the silicone valve causes the edge to lift up, allowing gas to flow in through the groove, and the air pressure inside the container returns to atmospheric pressure.

[0049] The cover 1 includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which are interlocked to form a receiving cavity. The vacuum pump assembly 2 is disposed within the receiving cavity and suspended from the upper cover. By completely enclosing the vacuum pump assembly 2 with the upper and lower covers, the vibration of the vacuum pump 21 is further shielded, thereby further reducing noise.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, another aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator including the above-described vacuum preservation device.

[0051] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum preservation device, characterized in that: include: Cover (1); Vacuum pump assembly (2), which is suspended on the cover (1); The food storage container (3) is detachably connected to the cover (1), and the vacuum pump assembly (2) is connected to the food storage container (3) to evacuate it. The vacuum pump assembly (2) includes a vacuum pump (21), a vacuum pump mounting plate (22), and a suspension connector (23). The vacuum pump mounting plate (22) is connected to the cover (1) through the suspension connector (23), and the vacuum pump (21) is mounted on the vacuum pump mounting plate (22). The suspension connector (23) includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the cover (1) and the other end of which is connected to the vacuum pump mounting plate (22).

2. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum pump assembly (2) further includes a limiting mechanism (24) that surrounds the vacuum pump (21) and the vacuum pump mounting plate (22) to fix the vacuum pump (21) to the vacuum pump mounting plate (22).

3. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum preservation device also includes an energy storage mechanism (4), which is located inside the cover (1) and is electrically connected to the vacuum pump (21).

4. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A micro switch (5) is provided on the cover (1), and the micro switch (5) is electrically connected to the vacuum pump assembly (2).

5. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the cover (1) is recessed to form a first groove (11), and an air extraction port (12) is provided in the first groove (11). The vacuum pump assembly (2) is connected to the air extraction port (12). The upper end of the food storage box (3) is provided with a protruding structure (31), and an opening (32) is provided on the protruding structure (31). The protruding structure (31) can extend into the first groove (11) so that the air extraction port (12) is connected to the opening (32).

6. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first groove (11) has a base plate (111) and a first side plate (112), the first side plate (112) is rotatably disposed on the base plate (111), and the air extraction port (12) is disposed on the first side plate (112).

7. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The vacuum preservation device also includes a pressure detection mechanism, which is disposed on the protruding structure (31) and is capable of obtaining the air pressure inside the preservation box (3).

8. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protruding structure (31) has a detection port (33), and a deformation element (34) is provided at the detection port (33). The deformation element (34) constitutes the pressure detection mechanism.

9. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A silicone valve is provided at the opening (32), and the silicone valve can be connected to the air extraction port (12).

10. The vacuum preservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover (1) includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which are fastened together to form a receiving cavity. The vacuum pump assembly (2) is disposed in the receiving cavity and is suspended on the upper cover.

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The vacuum preservation device includes any one of claims 1 to 10.

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