A gas containment system for a tobacco canister

Abstract

This invention discloses a gas sealing system for tobacco containers, belonging to the technical field of tobacco storage containers. It includes an inner container for storing tobacco, with an outer container surrounding the inner container. A dry ice containment chamber is connected to the inner container via an air inlet channel. The bottom of the inner container is connected to the outside via a bottom exhaust channel. The top of the inner container is sealed by an end cap with an opening and a plug for sealing the opening. The top of the inner container is connected to the outside via a top exhaust channel on the end cap. A piston assembly is fitted to the inner side of the inner container, and the piston assembly is connected to a displacement control component. The piston assembly has a storage and retrieval channel for storing and retrieving tobacco leaves. The displacement control component controls the piston assembly to move along the axis of the inner container to expel residual gas. The storage and retrieval channel is open only when the piston assembly is at the top of the inner container. This invention allows for convenient storage and retrieval of tobacco while ensuring the tobacco storage function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tobacco storage container technology, and specifically relates to a gas sealing system for tobacco canisters. Background Technology

[0002] Dry ice containers are commonly used for storing tobacco. When in use, liquid CO2 is stored inside the container, preventing the growth of microorganisms and slowing down the oxidation process, thus extending its shelf life. This allows the tobacco to maintain its freshness and original flavor even after long-term storage. However, some existing gas-sealed storage containers require constant opening and closing to remove tobacco. Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of oxidizing gases inside the container, reducing its sealing and preservation capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a gas sealing system for tobacco canisters, which allows for convenient access to tobacco at any time and ensures the tobacco storage function.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention discloses a gas sealing system for tobacco containers, comprising an inner container for storing tobacco, an outer container disposed outside the inner container, and a dry ice containing cavity formed between the outer container and the inner container. The dry ice containing cavity is connected to the inner container through an air inlet channel. The bottom of the inner container is connected to the outside through a bottom exhaust channel. The top of the inner container is sealed by an end cap, which has an opening and a plug for sealing the opening. The top of the inner container is connected to the outside through a top exhaust channel on the end cap. A piston assembly is fitted inside the inner container, and the piston assembly is connected to a displacement control assembly. The piston assembly has a storage and retrieval channel for storing and retrieving tobacco leaves. The displacement control assembly controls the piston assembly to move along the axis of the inner container to discharge residual gas. The storage and retrieval channel is open only when the piston assembly is located at the top of the inner container.

[0006] Furthermore, the piston assembly includes a fixed seat and a piston sleeve. The fixed seat is frustoconical and fixed to the output end of the displacement control assembly. The fixed seat has an eccentric first through hole. The upper side of the piston sleeve has a rotating groove that rotates and seals with the fixed seat. The piston sleeve has an eccentric second through hole. When the piston assembly is located at the top of the inner tank, the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned to form the access channel. The position of the access channel corresponds to the position of the opening. A rotation control structure for driving the piston sleeve to rotate is provided between the inner tank and the piston sleeve.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner wall of the inner tank includes an upper threaded inner wall and a lower smooth sealing inner wall. The rotation control structure includes a threaded section formed on the upper part of the outer wall of the piston sleeve, and an elastic sealing section formed on the lower part of the outer wall of the piston sleeve. The threaded section mates with the threaded inner wall of the inner tank.

[0008] Furthermore, a torsion reset mechanism is connected between the fixed seat and the piston sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, a filter plate is installed at the bottom of the inner tank, and an annular guide rail is installed on the filter plate. A first pressure block is slidably fitted on the annular guide rail. The outer diameter of the first pressure block is adapted to the inner diameter of the second through hole. A third through hole is formed on the fixed seat. When the piston assembly is located at the bottom of the inner tank, the third through hole corresponds to the second through hole.

[0010] Furthermore, a ball bearing is installed at the bottom of the first pressure block, and the ball bearing rolls and engages in a groove opened at the bottom of the first pressure block.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner side of the blockage is connected to a second pressure block via a first elastic support device. The outer diameter of the second pressure block is adapted to the inner diameter of the first through hole. The bottom and side surfaces of the fixed seat are provided with a first groove, and the inner wall of the rotating groove of the piston sleeve is provided with a second groove. When the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned, the first groove and the second groove cooperate to form an exhaust groove.

[0012] Furthermore, a one-way valve is installed in the top exhaust channel, and the bottom exhaust channel is formed in the exhaust base installed at the bottom of the inner tank. The exhaust base is connected to the ball through a second elastic support device, and the ball descends under the elastic tension of the second elastic support device to close the exhaust base.

[0013] Furthermore, the second elastic support device is connected to a cylindrical sliding block, which is connected to the sphere via a support rod. The sliding block has a vent hole along its axial direction, and the exhaust channel has an air intake channel communicating with the dry ice containment cavity. When the sphere extends outward under pressure, the sliding block closes the air intake channel.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0015] This invention discloses a gas sealing system for tobacco canisters. By setting a dry ice containing cavity between the outer and inner canisters, dry ice can be added at any time through the bottom of the dry ice containing cavity, and the gas in the inner canister can be replenished as needed through the air inlet channel at the bottom, thus extending the shelf life of the tobacco.

[0016] This invention's device can separate the preparatory gas from the inner tank, thereby preventing impurities from mixing into the preparatory gas and ensuring its purity. Only the required amount of gas needs to be added, saving resources. Furthermore, the internal pressure of the inner tank is not increased during inflation, making it safer to use.

[0017] In the device disclosed in this invention, after the tobacco leaves are taken out and put in, the impurity gas in the inner tank can be discharged through the piston assembly, which prevents the impurity gas from oxidizing the tobacco and improves the preservation effect.

[0018] In the device disclosed in this invention, the discharge process can be achieved simply by moving the piston assembly up and down. The device has a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0019] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent to those skilled in the art in some respects, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the following figures are provided for illustration:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the gas storage system of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the piston assembly.

[0025] The following are labeled in the attached diagram: Inner tank 1, Outer tank 2, Dry ice containing cavity 3, Air inlet channel 4, Bottom exhaust channel 5, End cap 6, Opening 7, Block 8, Top exhaust channel 9, Piston assembly 10, Displacement control assembly 11, Fixed seat 12, Piston sleeve 13, First through hole 14, Rotating groove 15, Second through hole 16, Threaded inner wall 17, Smooth sealing inner wall 18, Threaded section 19, Elastic sealing section 20, Torsional reset mechanism 21, Filter plate 22, Annular guide rail 23, First pressure block 24, Third through hole 25, Ball bearing 26, First elastic support device 27, Second pressure block 28, First groove 29, Second groove 30, One-way valve 31, Exhaust base 32, Second elastic support device 33, Ball 34, Sliding block 35, Support rod 36, Vent hole 37. Detailed Implementation

[0026] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention discloses a gas sealing system for tobacco containers, including an inner container 1 for storing tobacco. The tobacco is stored at the bottom of the inner container 1, and can be taken out or placed from the top of the inner container 1 as needed. The inner side of the inner container 1 is cylindrical, and the whole can be easily matched with the piston assembly 10.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, an outer tank 2 is provided on the outside of the inner tank 1. The outer tank 2 is cylindrical, but can also be square if needed. A dry ice containing chamber 3 is formed between the outer tank 2 and the inner tank 1. The dry ice containing chamber 3 can also be used to contain other inert gases. The dry ice containing chamber 3 is connected to the inner tank 1 through an air inlet channel 4. The dry ice containing chamber 3 can contain dry ice or compressed carbon dioxide gas. Therefore, the inner tank 1, used to hold tobacco leaves, is also surrounded by carbon dioxide, providing an additional protective gas layer on the outside of the inner tank 1, resulting in a more suitable protective effect.

[0028] The bottom of the inner tank 1 is connected to the outside through a bottom exhaust channel 5. When the piston assembly 10 moves downward, the pressure of the piston assembly 10 allows air in the lower part of the inner tank 1 to be discharged to the outside through the bottom exhaust channel 5. Furthermore, the top of the inner tank 1 is sealed by an end cap 6, which has an opening 7 and a plug 8 for sealing the opening 7. The plug 8 directly seals the opening 7, preventing air from entering. The top of the inner tank 1 is connected to the outside through a top exhaust channel 9 on the end cap 6; when the piston assembly 10 moves upward, the pressure of the piston assembly 10 allows air in the upper part of the inner tank 1 to be discharged to the outside through the bottom exhaust channel 5. This achieves the discharge of the mixed gas inside the entire inner tank 1.

[0029] Correspondingly, the piston assembly 10 is connected to the inner side of the inner tank 1. The piston assembly 10 is connected to a displacement control assembly 11, which consists of a hydraulic cylinder, a bracket connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a piston rod connected to the bracket. The piston rod extends from top to bottom into the interior of the inner tank 1. The piston assembly 10 has a storage and retrieval channel for storing and retrieving tobacco leaves. The displacement control assembly 11 controls the piston assembly 10 to move along the axis of the inner tank 1 to discharge residual gas. The storage and retrieval channel is open only when the piston assembly 10 is located at the top of the inner tank 1.

[0030] In some other embodiments, the displacement control component 11 can be a linear motor located at the top of the inner tank 1, with its output connected to the piston assembly 10, which can also control the vertical displacement of the piston assembly 10. However, the piston assembly 10 requires a relatively large pressure, so using a hydraulic cylinder for control is more ideal. The displacement control component 11 can also be operated manually, depending on the requirements.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the pick-up and drop-off channel can be a hole directly formed on the piston assembly 10, and the switching of the corresponding pick-up and drop-off channel can be achieved by an electronic switching valve. However, the above-mentioned device adds unnecessary electronic control measures, which poses certain potential risks.

[0032] In this embodiment, the piston assembly 10 includes a fixed seat 12 and a piston sleeve 13. The piston sleeve 13 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the fixed seat 12. The fixed seat 12 is frustoconical and has a limiting step that cooperates with the piston sleeve 13. Thus, the fixed seat 12 and the piston sleeve 13 can be axially limited, and the piston sleeve 13 can rotate around the axis of the fixed seat 12. The fixed seat 12 is fixed to the output end of the displacement control assembly 11 and can rise or fall together. The fixed seat 12 has an eccentric first through hole 14, and the upper side of the piston sleeve 13 has a rotating groove 15 that rotatably seals with the fixed seat 12. The piston sleeve 13 also has an eccentric second through hole 16, with the first through hole 14 being larger than the second through hole 16, thereby forming the limiting step. When the piston assembly 10 is located at the top of the inner tank 1, the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 are aligned to form an access channel, the position of which corresponds to the position of the opening 7. A rotation control structure for driving the piston sleeve 13 to rotate is provided between the inner tank 1 and the piston sleeve 13. By setting a rotation control structure, when the piston sleeve 13 moves relative to the inner tank 1, it can also drive the piston sleeve 13 to rotate, thereby aligning or misaligning the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16. This invention, by adopting the above structure, can automatically realize the opening and closing of the loading and unloading channels, and its structure is more stable compared to the existing technology that directly uses electronic switches.

[0033] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the inner tank 1 includes an upper threaded inner wall 17 and a lower smooth sealing inner wall 18. The rotation control structure includes a threaded section 19 formed on the upper part of the outer wall of the piston sleeve 13, and an elastic sealing section 20 formed on the lower part of the outer wall of the piston sleeve 13. The threaded section 19 engages with the threaded inner wall 17 of the inner tank 1. When the piston sleeve 13 is located in the upper half of the inner tank 1, the external thread engages with the threaded section 19, which allows the piston sleeve 13 to rotate 180° when it moves downward. At this time, the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 are exactly offset. The elastic sealing section 20 is made of rubber material and has a certain degree of elasticity. When in contact, it can seal with both the threaded inner wall 17 and the smooth sealing inner wall 18.

[0034] In some other embodiments, the piston sleeve 13 and the inner tank 1 can also be fully threaded. However, it is necessary to ensure that the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 do not overlap again before the piston assembly 10 moves to the bottom. Moreover, this method is not convenient for cleaning or maintaining the threaded inner tank 1, and the sealing performance will also be affected to some extent.

[0035] In this embodiment, a torsion reset mechanism 21 is connected between the fixed base 12 and the piston sleeve 13. The torsion reset mechanism 21 of the present invention adopts a reset torsion spring. The bottom of the fixed base 12 and the upper part of the piston sleeve 13 are provided with mounting grooves for installing the reset torsion spring. The two end handles of the reset torsion spring are respectively connected to the fixed base 12 and the piston sleeve 13, realizing the concealed connection of the reset torsion spring.

[0036] The torsion reset mechanism 21 provides an elastic torsional force to the fixed seat 12 and the piston sleeve 13, ensuring that they always maintain a certain angle, at which point the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 are misaligned. The torsion reset mechanism 21 can also be other connection methods found in the prior art, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0037] In this embodiment, a filter plate 22 is installed at the bottom of the inner tank 1, and an annular guide rail 23 is installed on the filter plate 22. A first pressure block 24 is slidably fitted on the annular guide rail 23. The outer diameter of the first pressure block 24 is adapted to the inner diameter of the second through hole 16. A third through hole 25 is formed on the fixed seat 12. When the piston assembly 10 is located at the bottom of the inner tank 1, the third through hole 25 corresponds to the second through hole 16. A ball bearing 26 is installed at the bottom of the first pressure block 24, and the ball bearing 26 rolls and fits in the groove opened at the bottom of the first pressure block 24. When the piston assembly 10 moves to the bottom, the first pressure block 24 can force the mixed gas in the second through hole 16 into the upper part of the piston assembly 10 through the third through hole 25. This can further exhaust the gas and reduce the residual gas in the inner tank 1. By setting the movable first pressure block 24, the first pressure block 24 has a certain amount of room for movement to accommodate the small rotation of the piston sleeve 13.

[0038] In this embodiment, the inner side of the plug 8 is connected to a second pressure block 28 via a first elastic support device 27. The outer diameter of the second pressure block 28 is adapted to the inner diameter of the first through hole 14. The bottom and side surfaces of the fixed seat 12 are provided with first grooves 29, and the inner wall of the rotating groove 15 of the piston sleeve 13 is provided with a second groove 30. When the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 are aligned, the first groove 29 and the second groove 30 cooperate to form an exhaust groove. The first elastic support device 27 is a spring. Under the action of the weight of the second pressure block 28, the spring falls downward by a certain length. Within this displacement range from before the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 are aligned to when they are just beginning to align, the second pressure block 28 can close the upper end of the first through hole 14. At this time, the second pressure block 28 can discharge the gas in the first through hole 14 from the exhaust groove, which can further play the role of exhaust, making the exhaust more thorough.

[0039] In this embodiment, a one-way valve 31 is installed in the top exhaust channel 9, and the bottom exhaust channel 5 is formed in the exhaust base 32 installed at the bottom of the inner tank 1. The exhaust base 32 is connected to the ball 34 through the second elastic support device 33. The ball 34 descends under the elastic pull of the second elastic support device 33 to close the exhaust base 32.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second elastic support device 33 is connected to a cylindrical sliding block 35. The sliding block 35 is connected to the sphere 34 via a support rod 36. A vent hole 37 is provided on the sliding block 35 along its axial direction. An air inlet channel 4, communicating with the dry ice containing cavity 3, is provided on the exhaust channel. When the sphere 34 extends outward under pressure, the sliding block 35 closes the air inlet channel 4, preventing the positive pressure from forcing gas from the lower part of the inner tank 1 into the containing cavity. After the pressure is released, carbon dioxide can enter the inner tank 1 through the air inlet channel 4 and the vent hole 37, allowing for automatic air intake, convenient use, and a stable structure.

[0041] Work process description:

[0042] Initial position: Initially, the piston assembly 10 is at the top. At this time, the second through hole 16 on the piston sleeve 13 and the first through hole 14 on the fixed seat 12 are aligned, opening 7. Opening 7 is aligned with the pick-up and put-out channel, which facilitates the pick-up and put-out of tobacco leaves.

[0043] Phase 1: The displacement control assembly 11 is activated, pushing the piston assembly 10 downwards. Air enters the upper part through the opening 7. As it moves downwards, the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16 are misaligned, closing the loading and unloading channel. The piston assembly 10 gradually compresses the lower space of the inner tank 1 downwards, and the air in the lower part is discharged from the bottom exhaust channel 5.

[0044] Second stage: Close the opening 7 on the end cap 6, push the piston assembly 10 to move upward, align the first through hole 14 and the second through hole 16, compress the upper air, allow carbon dioxide to enter the lower space, and discharge the excess air from the top exhaust channel 9.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made to it in form and detail without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas containment system for a tobacco can, comprising an inner can body for storing tobacco, characterised in that: An outer tank is provided outside the inner tank, and a dry ice containing cavity is formed between the outer tank and the inner tank. The dry ice containing cavity is connected to the inner tank through an air inlet channel. The bottom of the inner tank is connected to the outside through a bottom exhaust channel. The top of the inner tank is closed by an end cap, which has an opening and a plug for closing the opening. The top of the inner tank is connected to the outside through a top exhaust channel on the end cap. A piston assembly is fitted inside the inner tank, and the piston assembly is connected to a displacement control assembly. The piston assembly has a storage channel for storing and retrieving tobacco leaves, and the displacement control assembly is used to control the piston assembly to move along the axis of the inner tank. The residual gas is discharged, and the access channel is open only when the piston assembly is located at the top of the inner tank. The piston assembly includes a fixed seat and a piston sleeve. The fixed seat is frustoconical and fixed to the output end of the displacement control component. The fixed seat is provided with an eccentric first through hole. The upper side of the piston sleeve is provided with a rotating groove that rotates and seals with the fixed seat. The piston sleeve is provided with an eccentric second through hole. When the piston assembly is located at the top of the inner tank, the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned to form the access channel. The position of the access channel corresponds to the position of the opening. A rotation control structure for driving the piston sleeve to rotate is provided between the inner tank and the piston sleeve.

2. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to claim 1, wherein: The inner wall of the inner tank includes an upper threaded inner wall and a lower smooth sealing inner wall. The rotation control structure includes a threaded section formed on the upper part of the outer wall of the piston sleeve, and an elastic sealing section formed on the lower part of the outer wall of the piston sleeve. The threaded section mates with the threaded inner wall of the inner tank.

3. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to claim 2, wherein: A torsion reset mechanism is connected between the fixed seat and the piston sleeve.

4. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to claim 1, wherein: A filter plate is installed at the bottom of the inner tank, and an annular guide rail is installed on the filter plate. A first pressure block is slidably fitted on the annular guide rail. The outer diameter of the first pressure block is adapted to the inner diameter of the second through hole. A third through hole is formed on the fixed seat. When the piston assembly is located at the bottom of the inner tank, the third through hole corresponds to the second through hole.

5. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to claim 4, wherein: The bottom of the first pressure block is equipped with ball bearings, which roll and engage in a groove opened at the bottom of the first pressure block.

6. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to claim 5, wherein: The inner side of the blockage is connected to a second pressure block via a first elastic support device. The outer diameter of the second pressure block is adapted to the inner diameter of the first through hole. The bottom and side surfaces of the fixed seat are provided with a first groove. The inner wall of the rotating groove of the piston sleeve is provided with a second groove. When the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned, the first groove and the second groove cooperate to form an exhaust groove.

7. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that: A one-way valve is installed in the top exhaust channel, and the bottom exhaust channel is formed in the exhaust base installed at the bottom of the inner tank. The exhaust base is connected to the sphere through a second elastic support device, and the sphere closes the exhaust base under the elastic tension of the second elastic support device.

8. A gas containment system for a tobacco can according to claim 7, characterised in that: The second elastic support device is connected to a cylindrical sliding block, which is connected to the sphere via a support rod. The sliding block has a vent hole along its axial direction, and the exhaust channel has an air inlet channel that communicates with the dry ice containment chamber. When the sphere extends outward under pressure, the sliding block closes the air inlet channel.

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