Food preservation system and method

Abstract

To provide a food preservation system and method configured to prevent outside air from entering when a storage container is opened or closed to take out food. [Solution] A food preservation system 1 comprising a storage container 10 and a container 20 connected to the storage container 10, wherein the storage container 10 comprises an inlet portion 12 for inserting food, a means for introducing an inert gas and / or a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere, an openable and closable opening 14 used for removing food, and an outlet connection portion 15 tightly connected to the container 20, and the container 20 comprises an inlet connection portion 22 tightly connected to the outlet connection portion 15, and a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the container 20.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food preservation system and method for preserving the quality of food stored in a storage tank. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, food products such as coffee beans are stored in large packing containers or storage tanks. The storage tanks containing the food are sealed with an inert gas introduced, and are designed to minimize the oxygen concentration inside. Although the storage tanks keep the food fresh for a long period of time, they are frequently opened for daily use. In doing so, air (oxygen, etc.) gets into the storage tank, causing the food to oxidize and accelerating the deterioration of the food. In order to solve this problem, various devices and methods have been developed in the past.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for preserving powders and granules, foods, etc., which are dispensed in small portions when used, without oxidizing them. This invention makes it possible to open and close a storage container freely, and creates a vacuum atmosphere inside the storage container every time the container is opened or closed, thereby preventing oxidation of the powders and granules, foods, etc., inside the storage container.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an invention of a vacuum storage cabinet for food. This vacuum storage cabinet is equipped with a vacuum pressure-resistant container having an airtight open / close lid at the opening, a vacuum pump connected to the inside of the vacuum pressure-resistant container via a vacuum pipe and an exhaust open / close valve, a vacuum release open / close valve that connects or cuts off the inside and outside of the vacuum pressure-resistant container, and a sterilizer provided in the vacuum pressure-resistant container. When storing food, the food is placed in the vacuum pressure-resistant container, the open / close lid is closed, the vacuum release open / close valve is closed, and then the exhaust open / close valve is opened and the vacuum pump is operated. By creating a vacuum inside the vacuum pressure-resistant container, putrefaction and fermentation of the food is stopped or progresses very slowly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-262079 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-196250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The food storage containers (vacuum pressure-resistant containers) of Patent Documents 1 and 2 preserve food by creating a vacuum atmosphere inside each time they are opened and closed to dispense food in portions. This requires the container to be repeatedly created into a vacuum atmosphere, which is costly and time-consuming. In particular, in the case of large-capacity storage containers, it takes time to create a vacuum atmosphere, which is more costly and time-consuming. In addition, each time the container is opened and closed, outside air enters the container and comes into contact with the food, which may cause the food to oxidize and accelerate deterioration. For this reason, there is a need for a storage system that can prevent outside air from entering the container when it is opened and closed, and prevent food from oxidizing.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a food preservation system and method configured to prevent outside air from entering a storage container when the storage container is opened or closed to remove food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the food preservation system of the present invention is a food preservation system for preventing outside air from entering a storage container, comprising the storage container and a container connected to the storage container, , Food The food storage device is equipped with an inlet portion for inserting food, a means for introducing an inert gas and / or a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere, an openable, closable and sealable opening used for removing the food, and an outlet connection portion tightly connected to the container, the container having an inlet connection portion tightly connected to the outlet connection portion and a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the container, the storage container and the container are sealed by being connected, and the container does not have a means for introducing an inert gas and is used only for removing the food from the storage container. The main body of the storage container may be substantially cylindrical, with the lower portion being funnel-shaped with a diameter that gradually decreases toward the bottom. Furthermore, the food product may be coffee beans. A food preservation method using the food preservation system of the present invention includes the steps of placing the food in the storage container, introducing the inert gas and / or creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the storage container, tightly connecting the outlet connection of the storage container and the inlet connection of the container, creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the container, opening the opening of the storage container and placing a predetermined amount of the food in the container, closing and sealing the opening of the storage container, separating the outlet connection of the storage container and the inlet connection of the container, and removing the food from the container. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the food preservation system and method of the present invention, when food is taken out of a storage container, outside air does not enter, so food oxidation can be prevented for a long period of time. This extends the expiration date of the food and allows the food to retain its freshness and aroma for a long period of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage container and a container of a food preservation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the storage container and container of FIG. 1 connected together. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage mode of the food preservation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of a food preservation method according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, abbreviated as an example) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are used for common parts, and duplicated explanations of the parts with the same reference numerals will be omitted. The food to be stored in the storage container of the present invention is not particularly limited, and any food may be used, so long as it is a food that can be stored for a long period of time by introducing an inert gas or under a vacuum atmosphere. In this example, an example will be described in which coffee beans are used as the food.

[0012] [Configuration of food preservation system 1] The configuration of a food preservation system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the food preservation system, showing a storage container 10 and a container 20. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the storage container 10 and the container 20 connected together. The food preservation system 1 of the present invention is composed of a storage container 10 for storing food, and a container 20 connected to the storage container 10.

[0013] [Configuration of storage container 10] The storage container 10 is a container for storing food, which can minimize the oxygen concentration inside to keep food fresh, and has excellent sealing and light-blocking properties. The material of the storage container 10 may be any material as long as it has excellent sealing and light-blocking properties, but metal (stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), synthetic resin (acrylic, etc.), glass, etc. are used. When the food to be stored is coffee beans, as in this embodiment, a storage container 10 made of a transparent material (synthetic resin, glass, etc.) is often used so that the type of beans and the remaining amount can be seen.

[0014] The dimensions and shape of the main body 11 of the storage container 10 are not particularly limited, and a cylindrical, rectangular, or other shape may be used. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body 11 in this embodiment is substantially cylindrical with a funnel-shaped lower portion that gradually narrows in diameter toward the bottom. By making the main body 11 in this shape, the coffee beans tend to flow downwards due to gravity, making them easier to remove. In this embodiment, a container 20 is connected to the bottom of the main body 11.

[0015] The storage container 10 is provided with an inlet 12 through which food is placed. In this embodiment, the food to be stored is coffee beans, so the inlet 12 is relatively small, but the shape and dimensions of the inlet 12 are designed to fit the shape and dimensions of the food. Also, in this embodiment, the inlet 12 is provided at the top of the storage container 10 to make it easy to add coffee beans, but the location of the inlet 12 is not limited to the top, and it may be provided, for example, as a door on the side. After the food is placed in the storage container 10, it is sealed to prevent outside air from entering through the inlet 12.

[0016] In order to preserve food in the storage container 10 for a long period of time, there are a means for introducing an inert gas into the storage container 10, a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere, and a means for using both. Which means is used is determined depending on the type and capacity of the food to be stored in the storage container 10. To implement these means, the storage container 10 is provided with a supply pipe 13 for introducing an inert gas, or a discharge pipe connected to a vacuum pump, or both. After the inert gas is introduced into the storage container 10 or after a vacuum atmosphere is created, the storage container 10 is sealed. The means for creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the storage container 10 is not limited to a means for connecting to a vacuum pump, and other means (such as a so-called automatic vacuum canister) can also be used. The inert gas is not particularly limited, but gases that do not chemically react with coffee beans, such as nitrogen and argon, are used. Injecting an inert gas into the storage container 10 reduces the oxygen in the storage container 10 to prevent oxidation, and has the effect of preventing deterioration of taste and flavor and discoloration, and is particularly effective for long-term preservation of coffee beans, nuts, and the like. In this embodiment, only a supply pipe 13 for introducing an inert gas into the storage container 10 is provided.

[0017] An openable / closable opening 14 is provided at the bottom of the storage container 10 and is used to dispense the coffee beans. In this embodiment, the opening 14 is provided in the funnel-shaped tube portion of the storage container 10. The opening 14 may be any structure, such as a dial, lever, handle, or openable lid, as long as it can be opened and closed to control the flow of the food (coffee beans) and can be sealed after closing. The opening 14 may be manually or electrically operated, as long as it is easy for a user to operate and can be controlled to dispense a predetermined amount of coffee beans.

[0018] An outlet connection part 15 that is tightly connected to the container 20 is provided below the opening 14 of the storage container 10. The outlet connection part 15 is connected to the inlet connection part 22 of the container 20 when coffee beans from the storage container 10 are put into the container 20. Any means may be used for the outlet connection part 15 as long as it can be tightly connected to the inlet connection part 22. For example, a rubber packing may be provided on the outlet connection part 15, and a groove into which the rubber packing fits may be formed on the inlet connection part 22, so that they can be connected. A rubber packing may be provided on the inlet connection part 22, and a groove may be formed on the outlet connection part 15. By sealing the storage container 10 and the container 20 with the rubber packing, air can be prevented from entering.

[0019] [Configuration of container 20] The container 20 is a container for taking out only the amount of coffee beans to be ground when grinding them. Because coffee beans oxidize easily, taking them out of the storage container 10, which is sealed off from air, when grinding the coffee beans ensures that fresh coffee beans are always obtained, making it possible to make delicious coffee. The material of the container 20 may be any material that has excellent sealing and light-blocking properties, just like the storage container 10.

[0020] The dimensions and shape of the main body 21 of the container 20 are not particularly limited, and a cylindrical, rectangular, or other shape may be used. Since the container 20 is used to remove only the amount of coffee beans to be ground, a container with a smaller capacity than the storage container 10 is used. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a container 20 with a cylindrical main body 21 is used. The inlet connection part 22 of the container 20 is tightly connected to the outlet connection part 15 of the storage container 10, as described above. The top of the container 20 is open, and the top is closed by connecting the inlet connection part 22 and the outlet connection part 15.

[0021] The container 20 is also provided with a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere inside. As described above, the means for creating a vacuum atmosphere may be a means using a vacuum pump or a means using an automatic vacuum canister, and any means may be used. In this embodiment, a vacuum pump 30 is used. The container 20 is provided with a connection part 23 for an exhaust pipe 31 that is connected to the vacuum pump 30. After creating a vacuum atmosphere, the container 20 is sealed.

[0022] [Food preservation method] Next, a food preservation method using the food preservation system will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a mode of use of the food preservation system 1. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the food preservation method.

[0023] [Step S1] First, coffee beans 40 are placed into storage container 10 through inlet 12. At this time, care is taken to avoid contact with air as much as possible. Figure 3 shows the state in which coffee beans 40 have been placed in storage container 10. After coffee beans 40 have been placed in storage container 10, inlet 12 is sealed.

[0024] [Step S2] Thereafter, an inert gas is introduced into the storage container 10, or the storage container 10 is evacuated, or both are performed. In this embodiment, the inert gas is introduced through the supply pipe 13. After the inert gas is introduced, the storage container 10 is sealed. When the storage container 10 is evacuated, a discharge pipe connected to a vacuum pump is used as described above.

[0025] [Step S3] Next, the storage container 10 and the container 20 are connected. The outlet connection part 15 of the storage container 10 is fitted into the inlet connection part 22 of the container 20, and they are tightly connected. Figure 3 shows the storage container 10 and the container 20 in a connected state.

[0026] [Step S4] The container 20 is put into a vacuum atmosphere. As described above, the means for creating a vacuum atmosphere include a means using a vacuum pump and a means using an automatic vacuum canister, etc., but in this embodiment, a vacuum pump 30 is used. An exhaust pipe 31 of the vacuum pump 30 is connected to the connection part 23 of the container 20 to exhaust the air inside the container 20. The vacuum pump 30 is available in manual and electric types, and either may be used, but in this embodiment, an electric type is used. After the vacuum atmosphere is created, the container 20 is sealed.

[0027] [Step S5] Next, the opening 14 of the storage container 10 is opened and the coffee beans 40 are placed in the container 20. In this embodiment, a lever at the opening 14 is operated to place a predetermined amount of coffee beans 40 in the container 20. At this time, the opening 14 of the storage container 10 is connected to the container 20 after the vacuum atmosphere is created, so that no outside air enters the storage container 10.

[0028] [Step S6] After a predetermined amount of coffee beans 40 is placed in the container 20, the opening 14 of the storage container 10 is closed and sealed. In this manner, the inside of the storage container 10 can be sealed to prevent outside air from entering.

[0029] [Steps S7 and S8] The storage container 10 and the container 20 are separated (S7). Thereafter, the coffee beans 40 are removed from the container 20 and used (S8). In this manner, fresh coffee beans 40 can always be obtained from the storage container 10, which is sealed off from air.

[0030] As described above, the food preservation system and food preservation method of the present invention are configured to prevent outside air from entering when food is removed from a storage container, so food can be stored for a long period of time without oxidation, thereby extending the expiration date of the food and maintaining the freshness and aroma of the food for a long period of time.

[0031] The food preservation system and food preservation method of the above-mentioned embodiment are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The present invention can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although coffee beans are described as a food in the present embodiment, the food may be coffee powder or other foods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1...food preservation system, 10...storage container, 11...storage container body, 12...inlet portion, 13...supply piping, 14...opening, 15...outlet connection, 20...container, 21...container body, 22...inlet connection, 23...connection, 30...vacuum pump, 31...exhaust piping, 40...coffee beans.

Claims

1. A food preservation system for preventing outside air from entering a storage container, comprising: a storage container and a container connected to the storage container; The storage container comprises: An entrance for inserting food; A means for introducing an inert gas and / or a means for creating a vacuum atmosphere; an opening for removing the food product that can be opened, closed and sealed; an outlet connector that is in intimate contact with the container; Equipped with The container comprises: an inlet connection portion closely connected to the outlet connection portion; A means for creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the container; Equipped with A food preservation system characterized in that the storage container and the container are connected to form a seal, the container does not have a means for introducing an inert gas, and is used only to remove the food from the storage container.

2. 2. The food preservation system according to claim 1, wherein the body of the storage container is substantially cylindrical and has a funnel shape with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the bottom.

3. 3. The food preservation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the food is coffee beans.

4. A food preservation method using the food preservation system according to claim 1 or 2, placing the food product in the storage container; introducing the inert gas into the storage container and / or creating a vacuum atmosphere; tightly connecting the outlet connection of the storage vessel and the inlet connection of the container; creating a vacuum atmosphere inside the container; opening the opening of the storage container and placing a predetermined amount of the food product into the container; closing and sealing the opening of the storage container; disconnecting the outlet connection of the storage vessel and the inlet connection of the vessel; removing the food product from the container; A food preservation method comprising the steps of:

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