Portable vacuum pump capable of preventing liquid from being sucked

Abstract

A portable vacuum pump for preventing suction of a liquid is provided with at least two sensors for sensing the liquid at the inlet of the air suction channel of the pump, where the sensors are connected to a controller of the pump arranged to terminate pumping (vacuumizing) upon sensing the liquid with the sensors. The two sensors are arranged at a suitable distance so as to contain at least one droplet of liquid. When the liquid is electrically conductive, an electrical circuit between the sensor and electronics is closed, signaling the electronics to stop operation of the pump and thus air intake is terminated. Alternatively, a liquid sensor is used, which is shaped as a metal element mounted in the recess of the housing below the plastic sheet, via which the electrical conductivity of the possible liquid is detected. Once detected, the metal element communicates with a PCBA configured to terminate air intake.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of household appliances, and more specifically to the field of devices and methods for storing food in a vacuum. More precisely, the present invention belongs to the field of vacuum pumps for creating negative pressure in vacuum containers, vacuum bags, and containers with a universal vacuum lid. The present invention relates to a portable vacuum pump that prevents liquid inhalation.

[0002] Background and Technical Problem of the Invention Since storing food in a vacuum does not use any preservatives to extend the shelf life of food, it is known as the most natural storage method. Vacuum containers and similar systems are known in the market, and in the past few years, increasingly transportable electric pumps have been used to perform evacuation, which are useful and fast in the process of creating a vacuum inside food containers.

[0003] The problem with transportable vacuum pumps is that they are likely to inhale liquid, which hinders the operation of the complex system of the inhalation valve, thus making the pump partially or completely ineffective. This problem is even more prominent in the case of inhaling viscous liquids, oils, marinades, and the like. Since the vacuum pump is used not only with vacuum containers but also with bags, the problem of liquid inhalation is even more obvious, because even a small amount of liquid present in the bag can enter the pump and affect its operation.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to construct a portable vacuum pump that will be able to prevent liquid inhalation from any type of storage container, bag, or other vessel. The construction should also enable easy and efficient cleaning while ensuring that the entire device remains portable and compact in design.

[0005] Prior Art Several different vacuum pumps are known, some of which are independent and some are installed in complex systems such as laboratory evacuation devices and professional vacuum machines. These systems are specifically adapted to prevent liquid inhalation, but are not suitable for daily and household use. Therefore, they differ in construction and operation from the present invention.

[0006] Patent application WO2018147813 discloses a device for vacuum-sealing glass and plastic containers with lids for storing food, which includes a flexible valve and a manual vacuum pump with an integrated sword-shaped object for penetrating the metal or plastic lid of the container. The latter has a housing inside which a movable part with a handle is installed, and the handle includes an integrated sword-shaped object for penetrating the metal or plastic lid of the container. The interior of the movable part is provided with a space for accommodating a larger number of said valves. This solution does not prevent liquid inhalation, so there may still be failures caused by inhaled liquid.

[0007] Some solutions prevent liquid from entering the vacuum pump by using mechanical barriers. For example, the utility model CN209284904 discloses a vacuum pumping device including a vacuum pump, an air suction port, and an air outlet, wherein a waterproof and breathable membrane capable of preventing liquid from being pumped into the vacuum pump is arranged in the extraction opening. Similarly, the utility model CN212638057 discloses a gas-liquid separation device for a food vacuum packaging device, which is provided with a water separation mechanism.

[0008] The patent application WO2008112093A1 describes a vacuum food storage device having a container, a lid, a pump for evacuating air, and a switch that can be engaged through contact of the pump with the lid to allow the pump to evacuate air from the container to a desired vacuum level. When the desired vacuum level is reached, a sensor disengages the pump, and a timer disengages the pump after a predetermined time. When air is drawn out of the container by the vacuum pump, it travels from the interior of the container through a mesh screen, a filter, a chamber, and out through a tube. Thus, liquid is intercepted by the mesh screen and the filter so that they do not damage the pump.

[0009] On the other hand, the patent application US2014109511, which describes a vacuum packaging and sealing electrical appliance with liquid detection, is structurally different from the present invention. However, nonetheless, instead of relying on a physical barrier, the device includes a humidity sensor in the exhaust port of the vacuum pump to detect the presence of liquid sucked into the vacuum chamber during vacuum sealing. The sensor is electrically connected to a control unit and sends an electrical signal to the control unit. Based on the electrical signal, the control unit controls one or both of the vacuum motor assembly and at least one heat sealing element.

[0010] Description of the solution to the technical problem The technical problem is solved as defined in the independent claims, wherein the preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims. The essence of the portable vacuum pump that prevents liquid inhalation lies in that at least two sensors for sensing liquid are provided at the entrance of the air suction channel of the pump, wherein the sensors are connected to the controller (electronic device) of the pump, and the controller is arranged to terminate pumping (vacuuming) after sensing liquid with the sensors. The sensors are preferably conductive to allow the circuit to close after contact with the liquid, thereby terminating pumping.

[0011] An alternative and equally effective solution to the technical problem represents the use of at least one sensor for sensing liquid, the at least one sensor including a housing having a groove, inside which a metal element preferably shaped as a spring is mounted, wherein the metal element is placed in the groove ending with a plastic plate of the housing. The metal element of the preferably spring is capable of sensing the conductivity of a liquid possibly present in the evacuated air in the suction channel via the plastic plate. If a liquid is detected, the metal element is configured to communicate with a controller, typically a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), which is arranged to terminate the air suction immediately after the liquid is detected. The metal element is preferably connected to the controller, typically by soldering the metal element to the PCBA. Thus, no connecting cables or similar devices are required. This embodiment is sensitive because the metal element (i.e., the spring) can easily detect a liquid if present.

[0012] The vacuum pump preferably includes: - A housing having at least one opening for connection to a suitable valve, opening, or any other structure for allowing vacuum storage in a suitable vacuum vessel, container, bag, and similar vessels, wherein at least the following components are provided inside the housing: o A pump for pumping air (evacuating), which is powered by a suitable motor and power source preferably a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, o An intake channel starting at the opening of the housing and extending into the housing interior to ensure the passage along which air is sucked into the interior of the vacuum pump, wherein the intake channel is preferably substantially arranged at the center of the housing interior, o At least one sensor having the metal element or at least two sensors for sensing liquid arranged at the entrance of the intake channel near the contact point with the valve of the vacuum container, vacuum bag, or other vessels, wherein the sensors are arranged at a distance suitable for accommodating droplets, o For embodiments having two sensors, a connecting cable or wire for connecting the at least one sensor to a controller of the device, the controller typically being an electronic device arranged to terminate pumping after sensing a liquid with the sensor, and - A removable cover of the housing protecting the intake channel and the sensor from environmental conditions, wherein removing the cover enables access to the sensor for maintenance.

[0013] Two sensors are arranged at a suitable distance to accommodate at least one droplet of liquid. The suitable distance can range from 1 μm to 5 cm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 0.5 cm, and optimally from 1 mm to 2 mm. The shape of the sensors is arbitrary, and among them, preferred embodiments include rod-shaped and plate-shaped. When the liquid is conductive, the current circuit closes, thereby signaling the electronic device to stop the operation of the pump and thus stop air inhalation. The sensors are made of a suitable conductive material (preferably nickel-plated brass). The connecting cables or wires used to connect each sensor to the controller of the device (usually an electronic device) are also made of a conductive material and are connected to the sensors and the electronic device in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. The wires or cables can be placed in any part of the vacuum pump, and among them, the preferred position is along the side of the pump and at one end facing the sensor and at the second end facing the electronic device.

[0014] The shape of the opening of the housing, the air inhalation channel, and the size of the sensors are arbitrary. However, it must be ensured that the distance between the sensors is small enough so that even a very small droplet in contact with the sensors can close the circuit and terminate the air inhalation (vacuuming) as described above.

[0015] In the case where a droplet is trapped between the sensors or sensed by a single sensor with a metal element, causing the pump to stop, the pump must be reset, that is, the sensors must be dried to allow the device to operate. To achieve this, the user must remove the detachable cover so that the sensors can be accessed at the entrance of the inhalation channel. Then the sensors are dried in any known way, usually by wiping with a dry absorbent material or air drying, which causes the circuit between the sensors and the electronic device to be disconnected. After the detachable cover is closed, the device can be used again. The detachable cover thus enables easy and quick maintenance of the device in the case of simple access to the sensors, which does not require the removal of any additional elements or the opening of the housing.

[0016] The detachable cover can be designed in any suitable way, and the preferred option is in the form of a silicone seal or a plastic bracket with a seal, where the housing and the cover or the bracket are respectively provided with corresponding structures for closing, such as threads, snaps, pins and holes, and the like. In the case of a silicone seal, the corresponding structure is not necessary because the material and shape of the seal ensure reliable assembly in the opening of the housing.

[0017] The pump according to the present invention is also provided with known components (i.e., suitable seals) that enable the pump to operate for air inhalation in order to achieve a negative pressure inside the housing, etc. These components are known to those skilled in the art and represent the common design of a portable vacuum pump.

[0018] The vacuum pump according to the present invention efficiently prevents liquid from being sucked into the pump, thereby ensuring a long service life and preventing damage to the pump. It can be used with any type of vacuum container, vacuum bag, or any other suitable vessel for storing food or other items.

[0019] The vacuum pump for preventing liquid suction according to the present invention will be further described in detail based on exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which show: Figure 1 : The vacuum pump installed on a vacuum container according to a possible embodiment; Figure 2 : The vacuum pump installed on a vacuum bag depicting the air flow according to a possible embodiment; Figure 3 : The vacuum pump after coming into contact with liquid according to a possible embodiment; Figure 4 : The cleaning of the vacuum pump according to a possible embodiment; Figure 5 : The cleaning of the vacuum pump according to a possible embodiment; Figure 6 : The second embodiment of the detachable part of the housing; Figure 7 : The preferred embodiment of the liquid sensor; Figure 8 : The vacuum pump with the preferred embodiment of the sensor.

[0020] The vacuum pump according to a possible embodiment includes a housing having a bottom opening, wherein the following components are provided inside the housing 1: - A pump 10 for pumping air (evacuating) powered by a suitable motor and power source; - An intake passage SC located inside the housing; - Two sensors 3 for sensing liquid provided at the inlet of the intake passage near the contact point with the valve of the vacuum container or bag; - A connection cable 4 or wire for connecting at least one sensor 3 to the controller of the device, which is usually an electronic device 5 arranged to terminate pumping after liquid is sensed by the sensor 3, wherein the connecting wire has an end 4a in contact with the electronic device 5; - A bracket 9 for a seal 8 and a detachable cover of the seal 8, which are detachably mounted in the bottom opening of the housing so that the sensor 3 can be accessed after the bracket 9 is removed.

[0021] The pump 10, the connecting wire 4, and at least a part of the intake passage SC can be housed in an inner housing, which is installed inside the main housing of the vacuum pump.

[0022] Figure 1 The vacuum pump 1 is shown mounted on a vacuum container having a lid 2 including a valve 2a. However, Figure 2 the vacuum pump 1 is shown mounted on the valve 6 of a vacuum bag.

[0023] The vacuum pump is operated by pushing an on / off button and air is sucked in through the suction channel via the sensor 3. In the case where droplets 7 are sucked from the vacuum container or the bag, they travel towards the suction channel until the sensor 3, where they are Figure 3 intercepted and sensed as shown. Since the conductivity of the liquid creates a closed circuit, the electronic device 5 terminates the air suction and the pump stops operating. By terminating the suction, further suction of the liquid is prevented and the user can, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 clean the sensor by removing the bracket 9 of the seal 8 and the seal 8 so as to be able to access the sensor 3. It can be wiped clean or air-dried, and then the bracket 9 with the seal 8 is put back in place. After cleaning, the air suction function can be turned on again and the evacuation of the vacuum container or any other vessel can be carried out as before.

[0024] Alternatively, the detachable part can be designed as an integral structure 8', which is a silicon seal that ensures access to the sensor 3 after removal ( Figure 6 ). It has a circular shape to fit into the opening of the housing, where it is provided with suitable protrusions to ensure sealing and fit into the housing of the pump. As shown in Figure 6 the protrusions also act as stiffeners and at the same time allow the creation of a labyrinth structure for air and / or possible liquids. The protrusions are formed as a generally circular base with five legs pointing towards the outer circumference of the detachable part, while there is an inner circular formation inside the circular base. In addition, the function of this structure also ensures sealing when connecting to the valve of the vacuum container, bag or other vessel, so as to allow reliable and efficient evacuation.

[0025] Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of the liquid sensor is depicted, where the sensor includes a housing 11 that is substantially a plastic base portion to be covered by a silicon lid (not shown), and a groove 11a is provided inside the housing 11 for accommodating a metal spring 14 that is arranged to detect all conductive materials via a plastic housing or plate. The metal spring 14 is welded to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 13 at one end, while the other end is mounted in the groove of the housing. The metal spring is arranged to come into contact with a liquid, communicate with the PCBA 13 and the latter stops the pump when a liquid is sensed by the metal spring 14. An air flow connection nozzle 12 is provided for connection to the container to be evacuated and is thus independent of the sensing of the liquid. The housing is also provided with means for accommodating fixing screws 15 located below the PCBA 13. The fixing screws 15 are intended to mount the housing of the sensor to a portable vacuum pump.

[0026] Figure 8 The pump 10' showing a preferred embodiment having a sensor S as Figure 7 shown. The housing 11 is fixed to the lower part of the vacuum pump so as to cover the part attached to the article to be evacuated. A metal spring 14 is present in the groove, and a plastic plate 11b covers the inlet of the air suction passage SC' of the pump 10' so as to detect any possible liquid in the air suction passage SC' by sensing the liquid conductivity.

Claims

1. A portable vacuum pump (10) for preventing liquid inhalation, wherein, The pump is provided with at least two sensors (3) for sensing liquid at the inlet of an air suction channel (SC) of the pump (10), wherein the sensors (3) are arranged at a distance suitable for accommodating liquid drops, and wherein the sensors (3) are connected to a controller (5) of the pump, and the controller (5) is arranged to terminate vacuuming after liquid is sensed by the sensors (3).

2. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the sensors (3) is 1 μm to 5 cm, more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.5 cm, and most preferably in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

3. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor (3) is electrically conductive so as to allow, upon contact with the liquid, the circuit to be closed, thereby terminating the pumping.

4. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor (3) is made of nickel-plated brass.

5. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The shape of the sensor (3) is arbitrary, and preferably the sensor is in the shape of a rod or a plate.

6. A portable vacuum pump (10') for preventing liquid inhalation, wherein, The pump (10') is provided with at least one sensor (S) for sensing liquid at the inlet of an air intake channel (SC') of the pump (10'), wherein the sensor comprises a plastic housing (11) having a recess (11a) for accommodating a metal element (14), the metal element (14) being arranged to detect the conductive material of a possible liquid, one end of the metal element (14) being connected to a printed circuit board assembly (13) at one end, while the other end of the metal element (14) is mounted in the recess (11a) of the housing covered by a plastic plate (11b), and the metal element (14) is configured to sense the conductivity of a possible liquid when it contacts the plastic plate (11b).

7. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to the preceding claims, wherein, The metal element (14) is arranged to detect liquid, communicate with the PCBA (13) when liquid is detected, and the PCBA (13) is configured to stop the pump (10') when liquid is sensed by the metal element (14).

8. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein, The metal element (14) is in the shape of a spring.

9. A portable vacuum pump (10, 10') for preventing liquid inhalation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vacuum pump preferably comprises: - a housing having at least one opening for connection with a suitable valve, opening or any other structure allowing vacuum storage in a suitable vacuum vessel, container, bag and the like, wherein inside the housing at least the following components are arranged: o a pump for pumping air (vacuuming), the pump being powered by a suitable motor and power source, preferably replaceable or rechargeable batteries, the suction channel (SC, SC') starting at the opening of the housing and extending into the interior of the housing in order to ensure a path along which air is sucked into the interior of the vacuum pump, wherein the suction channel (SC, SC') is preferably arranged approximately in the center of the interior of the housing, o at least one sensor having the metal spring (14) or at least two sensors (3) for sensing liquid arranged at the inlet of the suction channel (SC, SC') close to the contact point with the valve of the vacuum container, vacuum bag or other vessel, o For an embodiment having two sensors (3), a connecting cable or wire (4) for connecting the at least one sensor to a controller (5) of the device, the controller (5) being typically an electronic device arranged to terminate pumping after the liquid has been sensed by the sensor, and - a removable cover of the housing that protects the suction channel and the sensor from environmental conditions, wherein removing the cover enables access to the sensor for maintenance.

10. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting cable or wire for connecting each of the sensors to a controller (5), which is typically an electronic device, of the device is also made of a conductive material and is connected to the sensor and the electronic device in any suitable manner.

11. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 7, wherein, The wire or cable is positioned along the side of the pump and at one end faces the sensor while at the second end faces the electronic device.

12. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, wherein, The removable cover is preferably designed as a silicone seal or a plastic bracket (9) with a seal (8) in any suitable manner, wherein the housing and the bracket (9) are provided with corresponding structures for closing, such as threads, snaps, pins and holes, and the like.

13. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 9, wherein, The removable cover can be designed as a one-piece structure, which is a silicone seal that ensures access to the sensor after removal and has a circular shape to fit into the opening of the housing, wherein the silicone seal is provided with suitable protrusions to ensure sealing and fit into the housing of the pump.

14. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to claim 10, wherein, The protrusions form a labyrinth structure against air and / or possible liquid and are formed as a generally circular base, with five legs pointing towards the outer circumference of the removable part, while there is an inner circular formation inside the circular base.

15. The portable vacuum pump for preventing liquid inhalation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pump is arranged for use with any kind of vacuum container, vacuum bag or any other suitable vessel for storing food or other items.

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