Reusable vacuum container

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a reusable vacuum container, comprising a variable-volume container, a pump, a directional valve, and fixed liquid outlet and inlet nozzles, characterized in that the directional valve is provided with a liquid inlet-outlet, a first liquid outlet, a second liquid outlet, a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet; flow channel switching within the directional valve is configured such that during liquid dispensing, the first liquid inlet is connected to the first liquid outlet and disconnected from the liquid inlet-outlet, and the second liquid outlet is connected to the liquid inlet-outlet and disconnected from the second liquid inlet; and during liquid refilling, the first liquid inlet is connected to the liquid inlet-outlet and disconnected from the first liquid outlet, and the second liquid outlet is connected to the second liquid inlet and disconnected from the liquid inlet-outlet. Since the vacuum container of the present invention is equipped with the pump and the directional valve, the directional valve being capable of changing the flow direction of the pumped fluid, fluid can be pumped both out of and into the vacuum container, thereby achieving the goal of enabling the vacuum container to be refilled with fluid for reuse.

Description

Reusable vacuum containers Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of containers for storing fluids, specifically to a vacuum container that prevents air from flowing back in. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum containers are characterized by the fact that no air flows back into the container after liquid is removed, preventing the stored fluid from coming into contact with reflux air. They are commonly used for packaging food and daily chemical products, and for storing fluids that are easily perishable upon contact with air. Currently, the most common vacuum containers on the market are variable-volume bottles with emulsion pumps and bags with one-way valves at the outlet. Both of these types of vacuum containers are for single use in daily use. Once the fluid stored inside is completely removed, it cannot be refilled and reused, which results in significant waste and generates a large amount of waste that pollutes the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum container that can be refilled with fluid and reused.

[0004] The technical solution adopted to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A reusable vacuum container, comprising a container with variable volume, a pump, a reversing valve, and fixed outlet and inlet nozzles, characterized in that: the reversing valve has inlet and outlet ports, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, a first inlet port, and a second inlet port; the inlet and outlet ports are connected to the container opening; the first outlet port is connected to the outlet nozzle pipe; the second outlet port is connected to the pump inlet pipe; the first inlet port is connected to the pump outlet pipe; and the second inlet port is connected to the inlet nozzle pipe. The flow channel switching in the reversing valve is configured such that when liquid is drawn, the first inlet port is connected to the first outlet port and disconnected from the inlet and outlet ports, and the second outlet port is connected to the inlet and outlet ports and disconnected from the second inlet port; while when liquid is replenished, the first inlet port is connected to the inlet and outlet ports and disconnected from the first outlet port, and the second outlet port is connected to the second inlet port and disconnected from the inlet and outlet ports.

[0005] Based on the above, the reversing valve includes a valve body forming a first inlet, a second outlet, and a second inlet. The second outlet and the second inlet are respectively located on both sides of the same position on the valve body. A sliding and sealing valve core is installed in the valve cavity of the valve body. The inlet / outlet and the first outlet are respectively located at both ends of the valve core. Two mutually isolated first flow channels connecting the first outlet and the second flow channels connecting the inlet / outlet are formed inside the valve core. The side wall of the valve core forms a first opening that connects the first inlet and the first flow channel when the valve core slides to the liquid intake position and a second opening that connects the second outlet and the second flow channel. When the valve core slides to the liquid replenishment position, a third opening that connects the first inlet and the second flow channel is formed. The outer wall of the valve core in the second flow channel forms a through groove that connects the second outlet and the second inlet when the valve core slides to the liquid replenishment position.

[0006] In addition to the above, it also includes a top cover for fixing the liquid outlet and liquid inlet, and a hinged flip cover for controlling the switching of the flow channel of the reversing valve is attached to the top cover.

[0007] Based on the above, the reversing valve is equipped with a spring to maintain its liquid replenishment state, and the flip cover is closed to drive the reversing valve to switch to the liquid dispensing state.

[0008] Based on the above, the pump is a diaphragm pump.

[0009] Based on the above, the diaphragm pump includes a valve seat, a one-way valve disc, a diaphragm, a pressure seat, a rocker arm, a crank, and a motor. The valve seat has an outlet chamber connected to the pump outlet and an inlet chamber surrounding the outlet chamber and connected to the pump inlet. The top wall of the inlet chamber forms a valve port for installing the one-way valve disc. The diaphragm forms a bulge portion that retracts to the valve port and a plug portion that blocks the outlet chamber. The diaphragm is clamped between the pressure seat and the valve seat, and the central portion of the corresponding plug portion of the pressure seat maintains a certain distance from the plug portion. One end of the rocker arm is universally connected to the central portion, and the other end is universally connected to the crank. The rocker arm forms a pressure head for squeezing the bulge portion. The crank is driven by the motor.

[0010] Based on the above, the liquid inlet chamber is designed in a ring shape, and three sets of valve ports, one-way valve discs, bulges and pressure heads are evenly distributed along the liquid inlet chamber.

[0011] Based on the above, a pressure sensor for controlling the pump is installed on the connecting pipe between the first inlet and the pump outlet.

[0012] Based on the above, a rigid shell is installed on the outside of the container.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Since the vacuum container of this invention is equipped with a pump and a reversing valve, the reversing valve can change the flow direction of the pumped fluid. Therefore, fluid can be pumped out of the vacuum container or pumped into the vacuum container, so as to achieve the purpose of refilling the vacuum container with fluid for reuse. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the reusable vacuum container of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the reusable vacuum container of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the reversing valve in the liquid-taking state in this invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the reversing valve in the fluid replenishment state in this invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pump in this invention;

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure when the flip cover is opened in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As shown in Figures 1-6, a reusable vacuum container includes a variable-volume container 1, a pump 2, a reversing valve 3, and fixed outlet 4 and inlet 5. The variable-volume container 1 can be a common tubular packaging container, or other less common non-tubular variable-volume containers. The pump 2 can be a conventional micro pump suitable for everyday use, such as a diaphragm pump. In this invention, the reversing valve 3 has inlet / outlet ports 3.1, a first outlet port 3.2, a second outlet port 3.3, a first inlet port 3.4, and a second inlet port 3.5. The inlet / outlet 3.1 is connected to the opening of container 1, the first outlet 3.2 is connected to the outlet nozzle 4, the second outlet 3.3 is connected to the pump inlet 2.1 of pump 2, the first inlet 3.4 is connected to the pump outlet 2.2 of pump 2, and the second inlet 3.5 is connected to the inlet nozzle 5. The flow channel switching in the reversing valve 3 is configured such that when liquid is taken out, the first inlet 3.4 is connected to the first outlet 3.2 and disconnected from the inlet / outlet 3.1, and the second outlet 3.3 is connected to the inlet / outlet 3.1 and disconnected from the second inlet 3.5; while when liquid is replenished, the first inlet 3.4 is connected to the inlet / outlet 3.1 and disconnected from the first outlet 3.2, and the second outlet 3.3 is connected to the second inlet 3.5 and disconnected from the inlet / outlet 3.1.

[0021] During routine liquid dispensing, switch the reversing valve 3 to the dispensing state. At this time, the first inlet 3.4 is connected to the first outlet 3.2, and the second outlet 3.3 is connected to the inlet / outlet 3.1. Then, start pump 2. The fluid in container 1 is drawn into pump 2 through inlet / outlet 3.1 and the second outlet 3.3, and then pumped out through outlet 4 through inlet 3.4 and the first outlet 3.2. When the fluid in container 1 is depleted, it needs to be refilled. Switch the reversing valve 3 to the refilling state. At this time, the first inlet 3.4 is connected to inlet / outlet 3.1, and the second outlet 3.3 is connected to the second inlet 3.5. Then, start pump 2. The refilled fluid is drawn into pump 2 through inlet 5, the second inlet 3.5, and the second outlet 3.3, and then pumped into container 1 through inlet 3.4 and inlet / outlet 3.1.

[0022] A conventional and optimized design should reflect the integrity of the product. Therefore, the pump 2, the reversing valve 3, and the connecting pipes can all be installed on the top of the cap 1.1 of the container 1, encased in a housing (a common component, not shown in the figure). A top cover 6 is installed on the top of the housing, and the outlet 4 and inlet 5 are fixed to the top cover 6. Correspondingly, the inlet and outlet ports 3.1 of the reversing valve 3 are connected to the cap 1.1, communicating with the inner cavity of the container 1. At the same time, the inlet and outlet ports 3.1 can also be connected to a conduit 7 inserted into the bottom of the container 1, which is beneficial for fluid suction.

[0023] In this embodiment, the reversing valve 3 includes a valve body 3.6 forming a first inlet 3.4, a second outlet 3.3, and a second inlet 3.5. The second outlet 3.3 and the second inlet 3.5 are respectively located on both sides of the same position on the valve body 3.6. A sliding and sealing valve core 3.7 is installed in the valve cavity of the valve body 3.6. The inlet / outlet 3.1 and the first outlet 3.2 are respectively located at both ends of the valve core 3.7. Two mutually isolated first flow channels 3.8 connecting the first outlet 3.2 and the first flow channel 3.8 connecting the inlet / outlet 3.1 are formed inside the valve core 3.7. The valve core 3.7 has a second opening 3.10 on its sidewall that connects the first inlet 3.4 and the first flow channel 3.8 when the valve core 3.7 slides to the liquid intake position, and a third opening 3.12 that connects the first inlet 3.4 and the second flow channel 3.9 when the valve core 3.7 slides to the liquid replenishment position. The valve core 3.7 also has a through groove 3.13 on its outer wall of the second flow channel 3.9 that connects the second outlet 3.3 and the second inlet 3.5 when the valve core 3.7 slides to the liquid replenishment position.

[0024] In terms of specific structure, the first outlet 3.2 is located at the upper end of the valve core 3.7, and the lower end of the valve core 3.7 is the inlet / outlet 3.1, which is directly connected to the container opening 1.2 of the cap 1.1. The first flow channel 3.8 is located in the upper section of the valve core 3.7, and the second flow channel is located in the lower section. The sizes of all openings on the valve body 3.6 and the valve core 3.7 should be the same. The first inlet 3.4 and the second outlet 3.3 are arranged vertically and separated by one hole. The first opening 3.10, the third opening 3.12, the second opening 3.11, and the through groove 3.13 are arranged adjacent to each other from top to bottom. The partition 3.14 between the first flow channel 3.8 and the second flow channel 3.9 is located between the first opening 3.10 and the third opening 3.12. The two positions of the valve core 3.7 that switch between liquid intake and liquid replenishment correspond to the two positions of the first liquid inlet 3.4 that switch between the first opening 3.10 and the third opening 3.12. The second liquid outlet 3.3 also switches between the second opening 3.11 and the through groove 3.13. The through groove 3.13 is a groove that extends circumferentially along the outer wall of the valve core 3.7.

[0025] For ease of operation, a hinged flap 8 is attached to the top cover 6 to control the flow channel switching of the reversing valve 3.

[0026] Normally, the user's usual operation is to close the flip cover 8 to dispense liquid and open the flip cover 8 to replenish liquid. Therefore, the reversing valve 3 is equipped with a spring 9 to maintain its replenishing state, and when the flip cover 8 is closed, it drives the reversing valve 3 to switch to the dispensing state. In this embodiment, a compression spring 9 is used, installed at the lower end of the valve core 3.7, pushing the valve core 3.7 upward to the replenishing position. When the flip cover 8 is closed, the flip cover 8 presses down on the valve core 3.7 to move it downward to the dispensing position.

[0027] Pump 2 can be a conventional diaphragm pump. In this embodiment, the diaphragm pump includes a valve seat 2.3, a one-way valve disc 2.4, a diaphragm 2.5, a pressure seat 2.6, a rocker arm 2.7, a crank 2.8, and a motor 2.9. The valve seat 2.3 has a centrally formed outlet chamber 2.30 connecting to the pump outlet 2.2 and an inlet chamber 2.31 surrounding the outlet chamber 2.30 and connecting to the inlet 2.1. The top wall of the inlet chamber 2.31 forms a valve port 2.32 for mounting the one-way valve disc 2.4. The diaphragm 2.5 forms a self-rebound bulge 2.51 that mates with the valve port 2.32 and a plug portion 2.52 that seals the outlet chamber 2.30. The diaphragm 2.5 is sandwiched between the pressure seat 2.6 and the valve seat 2.3, and the central portion 2.61 of the corresponding plug portion 2.52 of the pressure seat 2.6 maintains a certain distance from the plug portion 2.52 to provide space for the plug portion 2.52 to deform. One end of the rocker arm 2.7 is universally connected to the central part 2.61, and the other end is universally connected to the crank 2.8. The rocker arm 2.7 forms a pressure head 2.71 for pressing the bulge 2.51. The crank 2.8 is driven by the motor 2.9.

[0028] The starter motor 2.9 drives the crank 2.8 to rotate, which in turn drives the rocker arm 2.7 in a conical motion. The pressure head 2.71 of the rocker arm 2.7 reciprocates by pressing against the bulge 2.51 of the diaphragm 2.5. Due to the self-rebound property of the diaphragm, the compression chamber formed in the bulge 2.51 undergoes repeated compression and expansion. During compression, the fluid in the bulge 2.51 pushes up the plug 2.52 and flows into the outlet chamber 2.30; while during expansion and recovery, the negative pressure formed in the bulge 2.51 forces the fluid in the inlet chamber 2.31 to open the one-way valve 2.4 and flow into the bulge 2.51. The crank 2.7 refers to a conventional crank structure component; in this embodiment, a disc is used, and the rocker arm 2.7 is connected to the radial position of the disc.

[0029] To improve the efficiency of pump 2, the inlet chamber 2.31 is designed in a ring shape, with three sets of valve ports 2.32, one-way valve discs 2.4, bulges 2.51, and pressure heads 2.71 evenly arranged along the inlet chamber 2.31. Of course, more sets can be arranged if space permits.

[0030] To enable automatic control of pump 2, a pressure sensor 10 is installed on the connecting pipe between the first inlet 3.4 and the outlet 2.2 of pump 2. During replenishment, when the pressure sensor 10 detects that the pressure in the pipe exceeds the set pressure value (equivalent to the pressure in container 1), it sends a control signal to shut down pump 2 to prevent overfilling.

[0031] In order to keep the reusable vacuum container upright, a rigid shell 11 can be installed on the outside of the container 1 to meet the needs of daily use.

Claims

1. A reusable vacuum container, comprising a container with variable volume, a pump, a reversing valve, and fixed outlet and inlet nozzles, characterized in that: The reversing valve has an inlet / outlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, a first inlet, and a second inlet. The inlet / outlet is connected to the container opening, the first outlet is connected to the outlet pipe, the second outlet is connected to the pump inlet pipe, the first inlet is connected to the pump outlet pipe, and the second inlet is connected to the inlet pipe. The flow path switching in the reversing valve is configured such that when liquid is drawn, the first inlet is connected to the first outlet and disconnected from the inlet / outlet, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet / outlet and disconnected from the second inlet; while when liquid is replenished, the first inlet is connected to the inlet / outlet and disconnected from the first outlet, and the second outlet is connected to the second inlet and disconnected from the inlet / outlet.

2. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reversing valve includes a valve body forming a first inlet, a second outlet, and a second inlet. The second outlet and the second inlet are respectively located on both sides of the same position on the valve body. A sliding and sealing valve core is installed in the valve cavity of the valve body. The inlet / outlet and the first outlet are respectively located at both ends of the valve core. Two mutually isolated first flow channels connecting the first outlet and the inlet / outlet are formed in the valve core. The side wall of the valve core forms a first opening that connects the first inlet and the first flow channel when the valve core slides to the liquid intake position and a second opening that connects the second outlet and the second flow channel. When the valve core slides to the liquid replenishment position, a third opening that connects the first inlet and the second flow channel is formed. The outer wall of the valve core of the second flow channel forms a through groove that connects the second outlet and the second inlet when the valve core slides to the liquid replenishment position.

3. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a top cover for fixing the outlet and inlet nozzles, and a hinged flap for controlling the switching of the flow path of the reversing valve is attached to the top cover.

4. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reversing valve is equipped with a spring that maintains its liquid replenishment state, and when the cover is closed, it drives the reversing valve to switch to the liquid dispensing state.

5. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump is a diaphragm pump.

6. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 5, characterized in that: The diaphragm pump includes a valve seat, a one-way valve disc, a diaphragm, a pressure seat, a rocker arm, a crank, and a motor. The valve seat has an outlet chamber connected to the pump outlet and an inlet chamber surrounding the outlet chamber and connected to the pump inlet. The top wall of the inlet chamber forms a valve port for installing the one-way valve disc. The diaphragm forms a bulge that retracts to the valve port and a plug that blocks the outlet chamber. The diaphragm is sandwiched between the pressure seat and the valve seat, and the center of the corresponding plug of the pressure seat is kept at a certain distance from the plug. One end of the rocker arm is universally connected to the center and the other end is universally connected to the crank. The rocker arm forms a pressure head for squeezing the bulge. The crank is driven by the motor.

7. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid inlet chamber is arranged in a ring shape, with three sets of valve ports, one-way valve discs, bulges, and pressure heads evenly distributed along the liquid inlet chamber.

8. The reusable vacuum container according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure sensor for controlling the pump is installed on the connecting pipe between the first inlet and the pump outlet.

9. The reusable vacuum container according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The container is fitted with a rigid shell.

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