A vacuum packaging device for tea with a flexible cushioning inner bag

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of tea packaging equipment, and provides a tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag, including a vacuuming component, an outer bag assembly, an inner bag assembly, and a graded vacuum control component. The inner bag assembly is disposed inside the outer bag assembly to form a packaging bag with one open end. The outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly are nested and sealed with each other, forming a buffer air chamber between them. The vacuuming component can be detachably inserted into the inner bag assembly through the opening of the packaging bag. The buffer air chamber is filled with a vacuum stabilizing medium. The inner bag assembly includes an inner cushioning bag and a microporous breathable structure. The inner cushioning bag has a tea-containing cavity. The graded vacuum control component includes a main ventilation channel and a delayed ventilation component. The air inlet of the main ventilation channel is connected to the air extraction port of the outer bag assembly, and the air outlet is connected to the vacuuming component. The delayed ventilation component is disposed at the bottom of the inner cushioning bag and is connected to the main ventilation channel through a duct.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tea packaging equipment technology, and in particular to a tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag. Background Technology

[0002] In the vacuum packaging process of tea, the packaging bags often need to be heat-sealed after the air is extracted to extend the shelf life of the tea and prevent the intrusion of oxygen and moisture. However, because high-quality whole-leaf tea is extremely sensitive to external mechanical pressure, if the packaging bag is directly pressed against the tea leaves after vacuuming, or if the inner bag structure cannot provide sufficient cushioning, it is very easy for the tea leaves to break, the aroma to dissipate, or the shape of the tea to be damaged. Existing vacuum packaging structures for tea mainly rely on single-layer or double-layer composite film bags for vacuum sealing, but generally do not consider the cushioning protection of the tea leaves during the vacuum extraction process and the vibration during transportation.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent CN204871657U discloses a packaging method switching mechanism for an automatic tea packaging machine. This solution allows switching between outer bag packaging only and double-bag packaging (inner and outer bags) by setting a switching mechanism in the tea packaging machine. While it improves the flexibility of packaging methods, it is limited to mode switching and does not specifically address the internal cushioning structure of the packaging bag or the tea's pressure-resistant protection structure. Another typical example is a vacuum heat-sealing device for a tea packaging machine disclosed in Chinese patent CN111086685B. This solution proposes a heat-sealing device structure with a left and right vacuum chamber, improving the circulation efficiency and manufacturing cost in the heat-sealing process. However, this solution focuses on the structure and efficiency of the heat-sealing mechanism, rather than specifically addressing the internal structure of the packaging bag and the protection against mechanical damage to the tea leaves caused by the vacuum pressure difference.

[0004] In addition, the following defects still exist in the existing technology:

[0005] 1. Most vacuum packaging for tea uses only a single bag vacuum structure, which cannot effectively buffer the pressure changes inside the bag caused by the vacuuming process, making whole tea leaves easy to be crushed under vacuum.

[0006] 2. Traditional vacuum packaging bags are mostly made of film composite structure, lacking a specially designed buffer layer or flexible support structure, making it difficult to provide shock absorption or load distribution for tea during transportation, vibration, and compression.

[0007] 3. Although some packaging solutions use an inner and outer bag structure, they are usually only used for moisture protection or multi-layer packaging purposes, rather than for the overall system design of tea leaf protection, buffering and pressure stabilization. They lack a fixed differential pressure configuration between the inner and outer bags and cannot control the structural protection of the pressure on the tea leaves.

[0008] 4. For high-grade whole-leaf tea (such as Longjing and Baihao Yinzhen), current packaging technology lacks a practical structural device that can simultaneously achieve efficient air extraction and protection of the leaf shape in a vacuum environment, as well as cushioning against transportation shocks.

[0009] This utility model was developed to address the common problems in the field of tea leaf breakage during vacuum packaging, severe damage during packaging and transportation, rapid aroma evaporation, and poor packaging consistency. Utility Model Content

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of current methods by proposing a vacuum packaging device for tea with a flexible cushioning inner bag.

[0011] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0012] A vacuum packaging device for tea with a flexible cushioning inner bag is provided. The vacuum packaging device includes a vacuuming component, an outer bag assembly, an inner bag assembly, and a graded vacuum control component. The inner bag assembly is disposed inside the outer bag assembly to form a packaging bag with one end open. The outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly are nested and sealed with each other, and a cushioning air chamber is formed between them. The vacuuming component can be detachably wedged into the inner bag assembly through the opening of the packaging bag. The cushioning air chamber is filled with a vacuum stabilizing medium.

[0013] The inner bag assembly includes an inner cushioning bag and a microporous breathable structure. The inner cushioning bag has a tea-containing cavity, the outer wall of the inner cushioning bag has a microporous breathable structure, and the inner wall of the inner cushioning bag is provided with elastic support ribs.

[0014] The graded vacuum control component includes a main ventilation channel and a delayed ventilation component. The air inlet of the main ventilation channel is connected to the air extraction port of the outer bag assembly, and the air outlet is connected to the vacuum component. The delayed ventilation component is located at the bottom of the inner buffer bag and is connected to the main ventilation channel through a duct.

[0015] The delayed-release ventilating component is equipped with a flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm. When the vacuum level of the buffer gas chamber reaches a preset vacuum value, the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm deforms and automatically opens the delayed-release gas path connected to the inner buffer bag. After opening, it forms a gas isolation channel, so that the vacuum stabilizing medium in the buffer gas chamber acts on the inner buffer bag in the form of pressure differential transmission.

[0016] Optionally, the time-delayed ventilating component includes a time-delayed cavity, a flow-limiting orifice, and a one-way diaphragm valve. The flow-limiting orifice is disposed on the air guide pipe connected to the main ventilation channel. The time-delayed cavity is connected to the bottom of the inner buffer bag. The one-way diaphragm valve is used to prevent outside air from flowing back into the inner buffer bag when the vacuum is released.

[0017] Optionally, the microporous breathable structure is composed of a multilayer composite microporous membrane.

[0018] Optionally, the elastic support ribs are distributed in a grid or annular spiral pattern along the inner wall of the inner buffer bag, and support the tea layer and disperse stress during the vacuuming and shrinking process.

[0019] Optionally, the material of the elastic support rib is food-grade elastic silicone or thermoplastic elastomer.

[0020] Optionally, the inner wall of the outer bag assembly is provided with an anti-collapse rib layer, which is composed of several longitudinal or oblique ribs and maintains the stability of the buffer air chamber after the outer bag assembly is evacuated.

[0021] Optionally, the preset vacuum value can be set to 3 to 6 kPa.

[0022] Optionally, a flexible air cushion layer is provided in the buffer air chamber between the outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly. The flexible air cushion layer is composed of multiple independent air bubble chambers, which are connected by microporous channels. During transportation, it absorbs vibration and impact and maintains the stability of the inner bag.

[0023] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are:

[0024] 1. Through the cooperation of the buffer air chamber formed between the outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly, and the anti-collapse ribbed layer on the inner wall of the outer bag assembly, the buffer air chamber can maintain its shape stability and withstand external negative pressure under vacuum conditions. This ensures that the vacuum stabilizing medium is evenly distributed in the air chamber, prevents the outer bag from collapsing and causing the inner bag to be squeezed, and makes the vacuum environment of the entire packaging structure stable for a long time, thus solving the problems of vacuum decay and structural collapse in existing packaging.

[0025] 2. Through the synergistic effect of the microporous breathable structure on the outer wall of the inner bag assembly and the vacuum stabilizing medium in the buffer air chamber, a stable air pressure transmission channel that transmits pressure but not air is realized, so that a flexible pressure difference balance can be formed between the inner and outer bags without causing vacuum destruction or oxygen infiltration, ensuring the freshness and aroma stability of tea during long-term storage, and solving the problem of tea oxidation and deterioration caused by insufficient air tightness in existing vacuum packaging.

[0026] 3. Through the cooperation of the inner buffer bag, elastic support ribs and graded vacuum control components in the inner bag assembly, the inner bag can maintain controllable deformation and disperse internal pressure difference during the vacuuming process, thereby ensuring that the tea is not over-compressed or broken during vacuum packaging, achieving effective protection of the loose tea structure and overcoming the problem of easy powdering of existing vacuum-packaged tea.

[0027] 4. Through the cooperation of the delayed air-permeable component, the flow-limiting hole and the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm set in the graded vacuum control component, the outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly form a graded vacuum path. The air extraction of the inner bag lags behind that of the outer bag, thereby realizing the slow release of pressure difference and vacuum balance, ensuring a stable vacuum formation process and uniform stress on the tea layer, and overcoming the problems of excessive instantaneous pressure difference and tea collapse caused by traditional single-cavity vacuuming.

[0028] 5. By combining the flexible air cushion layer in the buffer chamber with the vacuum stabilizing medium, the packaging device has passive shock absorption capability during transportation or handling. It can absorb external vibration and instantaneous impact energy and maintain the stability of the inner bag position, thereby avoiding air leakage in the vacuum chamber due to vibration damage or causing the tea layer to shift and be crushed. This overcomes the defect of vacuum tea packaging in the prior art that is easily damaged during long-distance transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention can be further understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In different views, the same reference numerals designate the same parts.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the frame, rotating component, and vacuuming component of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a top view of the rotating component and the packaging bag of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of section B.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotating component of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of section C.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the tea storage chamber, feeding trough, and vacuuming component of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the internal structure of the time-delay breathable component of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 9 This is an external schematic diagram of the outer bag assembly of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly of this utility model.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 2. Limiting rod; 3. Loading plate; 4. Support rod; 5. Rotating motor; 6. Tea storage chamber; 7. Feeding trough; 8. Vacuum pump; 9. Sliding track; 10. Inner buffer bag; 11. Clamping rod; 12. Clamping seat; 13. Clamping ear; 14. Elastic support rib; 15. Delayed ventilation component; 16. Buffer air chamber; 17. Buffer air chamber filling port; 18. Outer bag assembly; 19. Sliding air rod; 20. Sealing seat; 21. Sliding air pump; 22. Air extraction pipe; 23. Output shaft; 24. Sliding protrusion; 25. Sliding groove; 26. Easy tear seam; 27. Main ventilation channel; 28. Receiving cavity; 29. ​​Delayed cavity; 30. Valve seat; 31. Stand; 32. Stand; 33. Spring; 34. Flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm; 35. Support grid; 36. Flow limiting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this utility model are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this utility model in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0042] according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10This embodiment provides a vacuum packaging device for tea with a flexible cushioning inner bag. The vacuum packaging device includes a vacuuming component, an outer bag assembly 18, an inner bag assembly, and a graded vacuum control component. The inner bag assembly is disposed within the outer bag assembly 18 to form a packaging bag with one open end. The outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly are nested and sealed together, forming a cushioning chamber 16 between them. The vacuuming component is detachably inserted into the inner bag assembly through the opening of the packaging bag. The cushioning chamber 16 is filled with a vacuum stabilizing medium. In this embodiment, the vacuum stabilizing medium is preferably a low-oxygen inert gas (such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or argon) or a low-permeability composite gas layer containing microbubbles. The vacuum stabilizing medium is used to maintain the pressure difference balance between the outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly during vacuuming and subsequent storage and transportation, and plays a role in flexible support and impact resistance during transportation.

[0043] Through the cooperation of the buffer air chamber 16 formed between the outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly, and the anti-collapse ribbed layer on the inner wall of the outer bag assembly 18, the buffer air chamber 16 can maintain its shape stability and withstand external negative pressure under vacuum conditions, ensuring that the vacuum stabilizing medium is evenly distributed in the air chamber, preventing the outer bag from collapsing and causing the inner bag to be squeezed, thus making the vacuum environment of the entire packaging structure stable for a long time, and solving the problems of vacuum decay and structural collapse in existing packaging.

[0044] The inner bag assembly includes an inner buffer bag 10 and a microporous breathable structure. The inner buffer bag 10 is provided with a tea-containing cavity 28. The outer wall of the inner buffer bag 10 is provided with a microporous breathable structure. The inner wall of the inner buffer bag 10 is provided with elastic support ribs 14 to maintain the stability of the cavity deformation during the vacuuming process and prevent the tea from being crushed by pressure.

[0045] In addition, the elastic support ribs 14 can be distributed in a ring or grid pattern. The elastic support ribs 14 are made of food-grade elastomer material (such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer) and are used to support the inner bag wall during vacuuming, maintain the stability of the tea pile shape and prevent the tea from being crushed by pressure.

[0046] Optionally, the microporous breathable structure is composed of a multi-layer composite microporous membrane. The composite microporous membrane preferably comprises a three-layer structure: an inner support layer, a middle slow-release layer, and an outer breathable layer. The inner support layer is attached to the base membrane surface of the inner buffer bag 10 to provide mechanical strength and deformation stability; the middle slow-release layer is a pressure-regulating layer with densely distributed micropores, used to achieve slow gas release and pressure differential balance during vacuuming; the micropores of the outer breathable layer are slightly smaller than those of the middle layer, used to achieve micro-permeability and dust and moisture protection.

[0047] The composite microporous membrane preferably has a pore size of 10–100 μm, a pore density of 500–3000 pores / cm², and a total membrane thickness of 0.05–0.3 mm. The layers are bonded together by hot-pressing or electrostatic lamination, with an interlayer adhesion strength of not less than 2 N / cm to prevent delamination or peeling during vacuuming. The composite microporous membrane can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or nylon (PA). The outer layer may incorporate alumina, silica, or a fluorinated moisture-proof coating to improve gas selective permeability and waterproof performance. During vacuuming, the composite microporous membrane allows controlled micro-gas migration between the inside and outside of the inner bag, thereby creating a uniform stress distribution on the inner bag wall and preventing membrane collapse due to sudden pressure changes.

[0048] The microporous breathable structure also serves as a shatterproof buffer layer, allowing the tea stack to maintain a flexible support state under vacuum pressure difference. Furthermore, the outer breathable layer of the composite microporous membrane can be made of antistatic material or an antistatic coating to prevent electrostatic adsorption of tea powder during packaging, thus keeping the tea packaging surface clean.

[0049] To further enhance sealing and preservation performance, the composite microporous membrane can be connected to the edge of the inner buffer bag 10 base film by annular heat sealing to form an integrated inner bag assembly, so that the microporous layer does not warp or the airflow concentrates under vacuum.

[0050] The graded vacuum control component includes a main ventilation channel 27 and a delayed ventilation component 15. The air inlet of the main ventilation channel 27 is connected to the air extraction port of the outer bag assembly 18, and the air outlet is connected to the vacuum component. The delayed ventilation component 15 is disposed at the bottom of the inner buffer bag 10 and is connected to the main ventilation channel 27 through an air guide tube.

[0051] The delayed-release ventilation component 15 is equipped with a flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34. When the vacuum level of the buffer air chamber 16 reaches a preset vacuum value, the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 deforms and automatically opens the delayed air path connected to the inner buffer bag 10. After opening, it forms a gas isolation channel, so that the vacuum stabilizing medium in the buffer air chamber 16 acts on the inner buffer bag 10 in the form of pressure difference transmission. This achieves adaptive graded vacuuming and vacuum stabilization between the outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly, ensuring that the inner buffer bag 10 forms a semi-vacuum state and avoiding oxidation and breakage of the tea leaves.

[0052] Meanwhile, the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 controls its stroke during displacement through a limiting ring and an elastic support structure to prevent excessive opening of the valve port and resulting pressure fluctuations.

[0053] By cooperating with the inner buffer bag 10, elastic support ribs 14 and graded vacuum control components in the inner bag assembly, the inner bag can maintain controllable deformation and disperse internal pressure difference during vacuuming, thereby ensuring that the tea is not over-compressed or broken during vacuum packaging, effectively protecting the loose tea structure and overcoming the problem of easy powdering of existing vacuum-packaged tea.

[0054] After the evacuation is completed, when the vacuum degree of the inner bag assembly reaches the target range (set to 18-25 kPa absolute pressure) and the pressure difference with the buffer gas chamber 16 is lower than the set threshold (preferably 3-6 kPa), the diaphragm resets under the action of elastic restoring force, the delayed gas path automatically closes, forming a closed state, and the staged vacuuming process is completed.

[0055] In this embodiment, to enable the filling operation of the buffer chamber 16, the outer wall of the outer bag assembly 18 is provided with a filling port for the buffer chamber 16, which communicates with the interior of the buffer chamber 16. A quick-connect filling connector is provided on the filling port of the buffer chamber 16, which includes a connector body, a one-way check valve, a sealing gasket, and a magnetic connector.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, during the filling operation, the connector of the external filling device is magnetically attached to the filling port of the buffer gas chamber 16. Inert gas enters the buffer gas chamber 16 through a one-way check valve for filling. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or argon, or it can be a low-permeability composite gas layer containing inert microbubbles. The filling pressure is preferably 0.05–0.15 MPa. After filling is completed, the external gas source is turned off and the connector is disconnected. The check valve automatically closes under the return force of the spring 33. Subsequently, the filling port can be permanently sealed using a heat-sealing film or a sealing cap.

[0057] Therefore, the buffer chamber 16 is in a sealed state filled with a vacuum stabilizing medium before the vacuuming operation begins. During the entire evacuation process, the buffer chamber 16 does not participate in the evacuation. Instead, it forms a pressure differential coupling with the inner bag assembly through the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 or low-permeability diaphragm set in the delayed ventilating component 15, thereby achieving a vacuum stabilizing effect that transmits pressure but not gas.

[0058] Through the synergistic effect of the microporous breathable structure on the outer wall of the inner bag assembly and the vacuum stabilizing medium in the buffer air chamber 16, a stable air pressure transmission channel that transmits pressure but not air is realized, so that a flexible pressure difference balance can be formed between the inner and outer bags without causing vacuum destruction or oxygen infiltration. This ensures the freshness and aroma stability of tea during long-term storage and solves the problem of tea oxidation and deterioration caused by insufficient air tightness in existing vacuum packaging.

[0059] like Figure 7As shown, the vacuum packaging device for tea also includes a frame 1 and a tea feeding component. The tea feeding component is mounted on the frame 1 and fixedly connected to the frame 1. The tea feeding component includes a feeding trough 7, a tea storage chamber 6, and an on / off valve located at the outlet of the tea storage chamber 6. The on / off valve is used to control the flow of tea at the outlet of the tea storage chamber 6. The feeding trough 7 receives the tea flowing out of the tea storage chamber 6 and guides the tea into the tea receiving cavity 28 of the inner buffer bag 10, thereby loading the tea.

[0060] The material feeding trough 7 is connected to the frame 1 by a stiffening plate, so that the material feeding trough 7 can be suspended in the frame 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, in order to improve loading efficiency, a rotating component and a loading plate 3 are also included. The loading plate 3 is provided with a receiving cavity 28 for placing tea packaging bags. The rotating component adjusts the position of the loading plate 3 so that tea can be loaded and packaged simultaneously.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the rotating component is disposed in the frame 1, and includes a limiting rod 2, a rotating motor 5, and a support rod 4. One end of the support rod 4 is connected to the top wall of the frame 1, and the other end of the support rod 4 extends outwards away from the top wall of the frame 1. The rotating motor 5 is disposed on the support rod 4, and the output shaft 23 of the rotating motor 5 is connected to the loading plate 3 (coaxially connected with the transfer plate). The loading plate 3 is circular, and a sliding groove 25 is provided on the side edge of the loading plate 3.

[0063] One end of the limiting rod 2 is connected to the side wall of the frame 1, and the other end of the limiting rod 2 is provided with a sliding protrusion 24. The sliding protrusion 24 and the sliding groove 25 are slidably connected to each other. Figure 3 or Figure 5 As shown, during the driving process of the rotating motor 5, the limiting rod 2 prevents the loading plate 3 from shifting, thus improving the stability and reliability of the loading plate 3's rotation. The sliding protrusion 24 and the sliding groove 25 are compatible.

[0064] In addition, the rotating component also includes a clamping rod 11, a clamping drive mechanism, and a clamping seat 12. The clamping drive mechanism is connected to one end of the clamping rod 11 to form a clamping part. The clamping part is disposed on both sides of the beginning and end of the receiving cavity 28. The other end of the clamping rod 11 is connected to the clamping seat 12.

[0065] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the packaging bag is provided with clamping ears 13, which are symmetrically arranged and clamped by the clamping seat 12.

[0066] The width of the clamping base 12 is adapted to the width of the clamping ear 13. An easy-tear seam 26 is provided between the clamping ear 13 and the packaging bag;

[0067] In this embodiment, the clamping rod 11 is configured as a telescopic rod and is driven by the clamping drive mechanism to achieve telescopic movement; the clamping drive mechanism is configured as a hydraulic drive structure and drives the clamping rod 11 to achieve the telescopic movement of the clamping rod 11.

[0068] like Figure 9 As shown, when the clamping seat 12 clamps the bag from both sides of the clamping ear 13, the entrance of the packaging bag is in an open state;

[0069] In this embodiment, the vacuuming component includes a sliding seat, a vacuum pipe 22, a vacuum pump 8, a placement seat, a sliding track 9 disposed on the placement seat, an actuating air rod, and a sliding execution air pump. The execution end of the actuating air rod is connected to the sliding seat, and the air outlet of the sliding execution air pump is connected to the actuating air rod through an air pipe to cause the actuating air rod to extend and retract, thereby causing the sliding seat to slide along the sliding track 9. The sliding track 9 is set in the same direction as the vacuum pipe 22 inserted into the tea-containing cavity 28.

[0070] In this embodiment, the feeding trough 7 is provided with a passage hole for the vacuum pipe 22 to pass through. When the vacuum pipe 22 is wedged into the packaging bag, it passes through the passage hole and performs vacuum treatment on the packaging bag.

[0071] The placement seat is connected to the frame 1 and the outer wall of the feeding trough 7 disposed on the frame 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the vacuum pump 8 is mounted on the placement base, and the vacuum pump 8 is provided with a vacuum port;

[0073] The air inlet of the main air extraction pipe 22 extends into the inner buffer strip, and the air outlet of the main air extraction pipe 22 is connected to the vacuum port.

[0074] The tea vacuum packaging device also includes a sealing component, which is disposed on the side of the feeding trough 7 facing the receiving cavity 28, such as... Figure 2As shown, the sealing component includes a support base, a sealing track (not shown in the figure), a sealing seat 20, a sealing heating plate, a sliding air rod 19, and a sliding air pump 21. The support base is located on the end face of the material feeding trough 7 near the receiving cavity 28. At the same time, the sealing track is provided on the side of the support base facing the receiving cavity 28. The layout direction of the sealing track is consistent with the placement direction of the inner bag assembly. The sealing seat 20 is slidably connected to the sealing track. The air inlet end of the sliding air rod 19 is connected to the sliding air pump 21 through a sealing air pipe. The actuating end of the sliding air rod 19 is hinged to the outer wall of the sealing seat 20.

[0075] The sealing seat 20 has a sealing groove with one end open for placing the edge of the packaging bag, and the sealing heating plate is disposed on both sides of the sealing groove; wherein, the gap between the sealing heating plates disposed on the two side walls of the sealing cavity is just enough to hold the edge of the packaging bag in place.

[0076] During the sealing operation, the sliding air rod 19 drives the sealing seat 20 to slide along the extension direction of the sealing track, thereby causing the sealing heating plate on the sealing seat 20 to perform heat-press sealing on the edge of the packaging bag along the extension direction of the sealing track.

[0077] In this embodiment, after the vacuuming component completes the vacuuming operation on the tea-containing cavity 28 (at this time, the sealing heating plate has been preheated and has reached a state that allows the edge of the packaging bag to be sealed), the actuating air rod, driven by the sliding actuating air pump, quickly pulls the suction pipe 22 out from the wedge inserted into the tea-containing cavity. At the same time, the sliding air pump 21 drives the sliding air rod 19 to retract, causing the sealing seat to slide along the sealing track and drive the sealing heating plate to seal along the edge of the packaging bag.

[0078] In this embodiment, the steps for the vacuuming component and the sealing component to cooperate with each other include:

[0079] S1 (evacuation): Vacuum pump 8 starts and evacuates air from the inner bag through the main evacuation pipe 22; when the absolute pressure sensor detects that the pressure of the inner bag has reached the set value (18~25 kPa abs) and remains stable for ≥200 ms, it outputs a position signal to the controller.

[0080] S2 (Pre-clamping): (The edge of the bag opening has been clamped to the sealing groove when the packaging bag is placed) The heating plates on both sides of the sealing seat 20 lightly touch the bag opening with a low pressure of 0.05~0.10 MPa to form a temporary clamping and prevent the bag opening from shifting when the air extraction tube 22 is pulled out.

[0081] S3 (Gas Circuit Shutdown): The controller first closes the solenoid valve / needle valve of the main suction pipe 22, and the main suction circuit check valve completes the self-locking.

[0082] S4 (Pull-out tube removal): The actuating air spring quickly reverses and drives the sliding seat back at a limited speed, and the air extraction tube 22 is removed from the inner bag's air extraction port along the sliding track 9; during the removal process, the pre-clamping continues to prevent air from being sucked into the bag opening.

[0083] S5 (Formal heat sealing): After the exhaust pipe 22 is completely withdrawn and the off-position photoelectric switch is triggered, the sealing seat 20 switches to a heat sealing pressure of 0.2-0.4 MPa and a timing of 0.8-1.5 s; after heat sealing is completed, maintain cooling and pressing for 0.5-1.0 s, and then release (that is, so that the sealing heating plate is separated from the edge of the packaging bag).

[0084] Optionally, the time-delayed ventilating component 15 includes a time-delayed cavity 29, a flow-limiting orifice 36, and a one-way diaphragm valve. The flow-limiting orifice 36 is disposed on the air guide pipe connected to the main ventilation channel 27. The time-delayed cavity 29 is connected to the bottom of the inner buffer bag 10. The sealing surface of the one-way diaphragm valve faces the main ventilation channel 27 and is used to prevent gas on the main ventilation channel 27 side from flowing back into the inner buffer bag 10 through the air guide pipe when the vacuum source is closed, the main ventilation channel 27 is temporarily connected to the outside, or the vacuum pumping component is disassembled.

[0085] The delay chamber 29 is a sealed, slow-release volumetric chamber. Its upper end is connected to the main ventilation channel 27 via a gas guide tube, and its lower end is connected to the airflow channel at the bottom of the inner buffer bag 10. The volume of the delay chamber 29 is preferably 0.5–2.0 mL, used to store and slowly release part of the gas flow rate at the initial stage of evacuation, so that the change in gas flow rate is slowed down and the instantaneous deformation of the inner bag wall caused by sudden pressure difference is prevented.

[0086] The flow-limiting orifice 36 is disposed on the air guide tube connecting to the main ventilation channel 27 and is used to limit the flow rate of the gas passing through. The diameter of the flow-limiting orifice 36 is preferably 0.10 to 0.30 mm, but an equivalent capillary structure (inner diameter 0.2 to 0.3 mm, length 50 to 120 mm) can also be used. The flow-limiting orifice 36 can be made of stainless steel microneedles, sintered metal microporous sheets, or micro-machined polymer plates to obtain a stable drag coefficient while ensuring strength.

[0087] The one-way diaphragm valve is located at the outlet of the delay chamber 29 or the exhaust port at the bottom of the inner buffer bag 10, with its sealing surface facing the main ventilation channel 27 and its opening direction pointing towards the inner buffer bag 10. This one-way diaphragm valve is used to prevent gas from flowing back into the inner buffer bag 10 from the main ventilation channel 27 when the vacuum source is shut off or when the main ventilation channel 27 is briefly connected to the external environment, thereby preventing the vacuum inside the bag from being broken.

[0088] The one-way diaphragm valve includes a valve seat 30, a flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34, a spring 33, a vertical rod 32, and a support grid 35. The flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 is made of food-grade silicone or fluororubber material, and its thickness is preferably 0.2–0.4 mm. The sealing surface of the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 is arranged towards the main venting channel 27. When the pressure on the main venting channel 27 side is lower than that on the inner bag side, the diaphragm is adsorbed onto the surface of the valve seat 30 to form a seal. When the pressure on the main venting channel 27 rises or the pressure inside the inner bag is slightly higher than that on the main venting channel 27 side, the diaphragm partially tilts up along the support grid 35 to form a microchannel, allowing gas to be discharged in one direction, thus achieving automatic check and pressure relief functions.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown, the inner buffer bag 10 has a ventilation hole on one side wall, and a support 31 with several ventilation gaps is provided in the ventilation hole. One end of the support rod 32 is connected to the support 31, and the other end of the support rod 32 extends out of the air towards the side of the tea-containing cavity 28. One end of the spring 33 is nested on the rod body of the support rod 32 and connected to the rod body of the support rod 32. The other end of the spring 33 is connected to one end face of the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34.

[0090] The support grid 35 is disposed on one side of the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 to prevent the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 from uncontrolled inward collapse, while maintaining the stability of the tea-containing cavity 28 and preventing air leakage through it.

[0091] By cooperating with the delayed air-permeable component 15, the flow-limiting hole 36 and the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm 34 set in the graded vacuum control component, the outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly form a graded vacuuming path. The air extraction of the inner bag lags behind that of the outer bag, thereby achieving pressure differential release and vacuum balance, ensuring a stable vacuum formation process and uniform stress on the tea layer, and overcoming the problems of excessive instantaneous pressure difference and tea collapse caused by traditional single-cavity vacuuming.

[0092] Optionally, the elastic support ribs 14 are distributed in a grid or annular spiral pattern along the inner wall of the inner buffer bag 10, supporting the tea layer and dispersing stress during vacuum shrinkage. Optionally, the material of the elastic support ribs 14 is food-grade elastic silicone or thermoplastic elastomer.

[0093] like Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the support rib is semi-circular or arc-shaped to form a flexible, close contact with the inner bag film during vacuuming, reducing local indentations. The support rib is integrally formed on the inner wall of the base film of the inner buffer bag 10 through in-mold injection molding or hot-pressing composite process, forming a continuous support skeleton structure. During vacuuming, the elastic deformation of the support rib absorbs the deformation stress caused by the pressure difference, keeping the tea layer in a loose state; after the vacuum is released, the support rib rebounds to restore the shape of the bag, thereby achieving the dual functions of anti-breakage and anti-collapse.

[0094] The support rib material is preferably food-grade elastic silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE, TPU), which can maintain a long-term stable support effect in a vacuum environment with a pressure difference of 18-25 kPa, and will not release gas or contaminate tea leaves.

[0095] Optionally, the inner wall of the outer bag assembly 18 is provided with an anti-collapse rib layer, which is composed of several longitudinal or oblique ribs and maintains the shape of the buffer air chamber 16 after the outer bag assembly 18 is evacuated.

[0096] The anti-collapse ribbed layer consists of several longitudinal, transverse, or diagonal ribs. Preferably, the cross-section of the ribs is arc-shaped, triangular, or wavy. The anti-collapse ribbed layer can be integrally formed with the outer bag base film through hot pressing knurling or molding processes, or it can be fixed to the inner wall of the outer bag assembly 18 by thermal bonding or adhesive bonding using an independent ribbed layer structure. The ribbed layer material is preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), or thermoplastic elastomer composite film to ensure that the ribbed layer still has flexible support under vacuum conditions.

[0097] During the vacuuming process, the anti-collapse ribbed layer forms a micro-space support grid on the outer bag wall, ensuring the outer bag maintains its shape stability under vacuum negative pressure and preventing the outer bag from collapsing or sticking to the inner bag, which could cause the buffer air chamber 16 to partially disappear. This structure ensures that the thickness of the buffer air chamber 16 is uniform, allowing the vacuum stabilizing medium to be evenly distributed within the air chamber, thereby improving the buffering, decompression, and vacuum maintenance effects of the entire packaging device.

[0098] Optionally, a flexible air cushion layer is provided in the buffer air chamber 16 between the outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly. The flexible air cushion layer is composed of multiple independent air bubble chambers, which are connected by microporous channels. During transportation, it absorbs vibration and impact and maintains the stability of the inner bag.

[0099] By combining the flexible air cushion layer in the buffer chamber 16 with the vacuum stabilizing medium, the packaging device has passive shock absorption capability during transportation or handling. It can absorb external vibration and instantaneous impact energy and maintain the stability of the inner bag position, thereby avoiding air leakage in the vacuum chamber due to vibration damage or causing the tea layer to shift and be crushed. This overcomes the defect of vacuum tea packaging in the prior art that is easily damaged during long-distance transportation.

[0100] In this embodiment, the tea vacuum packaging device further includes a power supply device and a controller. The power supply device is electrically connected to the solenoid valve / needle valve, clamping drive mechanism, vacuum pump 8, rotary motor 5, sliding air pump 21, sliding actuator air pump, sealing heating plate, and controller, and provides working power for the above devices. Preferably, the power supply device is an integrated voltage regulator module with two output voltages: AC220V / 50Hz and DC24V. The AC output is used to drive the heating plate and vacuum pump 8, and the DC output is used to power the rotary motor 5, pneumatic control valve, and sensor.

[0101] The controller is electrically connected to the solenoid valve / needle valve, the clamping drive mechanism, the vacuum pump 8, the rotary motor 5, the sealing heating plate, the sliding air pump 21, and the sliding actuator air pump.

[0102] In this embodiment, a flexible air cushion layer is provided in the buffer air chamber 16 between the outer bag assembly 18 and the inner bag assembly to absorb impact vibrations and stabilize the position of the inner bag during transportation and vacuuming. The flexible air cushion layer consists of multiple independent air bubble chambers, which are connected by microporous channels.

[0103] The flexible air cushion layer can be made into a bubble film structure through a double-layer film heat-sealing dot matrix process, or it can be made into a honeycomb molding structure. The air cushion layer can be fixed to the inner wall of the outer bag or the outer wall of the inner bag through heat bonding or molding to prevent displacement during vacuum pumping and transportation vibration.

[0104] During the vacuuming process, the air bubbles inside the cushion layer are compressed and store elastic energy. This energy is then released slowly through interconnected microporous channels, allowing the cushion layer to maintain a certain degree of flexibility under vacuum and negative pressure. During transportation, the cushion layer can absorb external mechanical vibrations and impact loads, effectively preventing the inner bag components from shaking or being crushed, thereby improving the shock absorption and vacuum retention performance of the packaging system.

[0105] Through the coordinated operation of the vacuuming components, outer bag assembly 18, inner bag assembly, and tiered vacuum control components, the entire packaging device forms a stable double-layer differential pressure structure throughout the vacuuming, sealing, and storage / transportation processes. This not only achieves tiered vacuuming and differential pressure slow release but also effectively prevents tea breakage, vacuum attenuation, and structural collapse through mechanisms such as elastic support, gas buffering, and anti-collapse support. While ensuring vacuum sealing performance, the device also offers advantages such as shock absorption, vacuum stability, reusable vacuuming, and convenient disassembly and maintenance, significantly improving the storage quality and transportation reliability of vacuum-packed tea.

[0106] The above-disclosed content is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present utility model, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings are included within the protection scope of the present utility model. Furthermore, the elements therein can be updated as technology develops.

Claims

1. A vacuum packaging device for tea with a flexible cushioning inner bag, characterized in that, The vacuum packaging device for tea includes a vacuuming component, an outer bag assembly, an inner bag assembly, and a graded vacuum control component. The inner bag assembly is disposed inside the outer bag assembly to form a packaging bag with one end open. The outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly are nested and sealed together, forming a buffer chamber between them. The vacuuming component can be detachably inserted into the inner bag assembly through the opening of the packaging bag. The buffer chamber is filled with a vacuum stabilizing medium. The inner bag assembly includes an inner cushioning bag and a microporous breathable structure. The inner cushioning bag has a tea-containing cavity, the outer wall of the inner cushioning bag has a microporous breathable structure, and the inner wall of the inner cushioning bag is provided with elastic support ribs. The graded vacuum control component includes a main ventilation channel and a delayed ventilation component. The air inlet of the main ventilation channel is connected to the air extraction port of the outer bag assembly, and the air outlet is connected to the vacuum component. The delayed ventilation component is located at the bottom of the inner buffer bag and is connected to the main ventilation channel through a duct. The delayed-release ventilating component is equipped with a flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm. When the vacuum level of the buffer gas chamber reaches a preset vacuum value, the flexible differential pressure adaptive diaphragm deforms and automatically opens the delayed-release gas path connected to the inner buffer bag. After opening, it forms a gas isolation channel, so that the vacuum stabilizing medium in the buffer gas chamber acts on the inner buffer bag in the form of pressure differential transmission.

2. The tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time-delayed ventilated component includes a time-delayed cavity, a flow-limiting orifice, and a one-way diaphragm valve. The flow-limiting orifice is located on the air guide pipe connected to the main ventilation channel. The time-delayed cavity is connected to the bottom of the inner buffer bag. The one-way diaphragm valve is used to prevent outside air from flowing back into the inner buffer bag when the vacuum is released.

3. The tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 2, characterized in that, The microporous breathable structure is composed of multiple layers of composite microporous membranes.

4. The tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic support ribs are distributed in a grid or annular spiral pattern along the inner wall of the inner buffer bag, and support the tea layer and disperse stress during the vacuuming and shrinking process.

5. The tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic support rib is made of food-grade elastic silicone or thermoplastic elastomer.

6. The tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the outer bag assembly is provided with an anti-collapse ribbed layer, which is composed of several longitudinal or oblique ribs and maintains the shape of the buffer air chamber after the outer bag assembly is evacuated.

7. The vacuum packaging device for tea with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preset vacuum value is set to 3-6 kPa.

8. The tea vacuum packaging device with a flexible cushioning inner bag according to claim 7, characterized in that, A flexible air cushion layer is provided in the buffer air chamber between the outer bag assembly and the inner bag assembly. The flexible air cushion layer is composed of multiple independent air bubble chambers, which are connected by microporous channels. During transportation, it absorbs vibration and impact and maintains the stability of the inner bag.

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