EP1686061A2 - Device for the vacuum packing of articles, containers for such a device and vacuum packing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for the compressing of waste by evacuating the inside of a flexible waste collecting bin has a suction lance (10) for inserting into the bin by means of which the inside of the collecting bin is evacuated, and contains filtering means for the retention of particles, fluid and/or other impurities. The suction lance has an elongated insertion connector (12) with a stepped mouth (16) which has radial slots (17). An independent claim is included for a waste collecting bin which has an evacuating connection as a hose connector.

Description

The invention relates to a device for vacuum packaging of objects by evacuating the interior of a flexible collecting container. Moreover, the invention relates to a collecting container for such a device and a vacuum packaging system.

In the food industry, foods are often vacuum sealed after evacuation in a bag. This gives a low volume with good protection of the food. In particular, an odor nuisance is prevented even with prolonged storage. The disadvantage is that in this case significant hygienic problems may arise due to contamination. Especially in outdoor sports, such as fishing, problems can be caused by such pollution.

But also waste, especially residual waste, is often calculated when transported by volume. In addition, unwanted odor nuisance from the waste occurs, especially at longer removal intervals. There are Therefore, devices for reducing the waste volume have already been proposed in which the waste is compressed by evacuating the collecting container.

The disadvantage here is that on the one hand the collection container for the waste to be suitable for evacuation and subsequent transport under vacuum, have a complex and therefore expensive construction. Another problem arises especially when the waste to be compressed has fine particles, liquids and in particular unpleasant odors causing impurities.

The problem underlying the invention is to provide a device with which can be vacuum-packed items easily and with little effort, without the risk that particles, liquids and / or odors causing impurities get into the open air.

The problem is solved in that in a device of the type mentioned a suction lance is provided for insertion into the collecting container, by means of which the interior of the collecting container is evacuated, and the filter means for retaining particles, liquids and / or other contaminants.

By providing this suction lance, the requirements for the collecting container are considerably reduced, so that virtually any conventional bag, provided sufficient strength, can be used for the vacuum packaging of articles. In principle, it is sufficient to introduce the suction lance into the bag opening and to remove the superfluous air from this bag by means of evacuation. The unwanted escape of particles, liquids and / or other contaminants, especially those that cause odors, is reliably prevented by the filter means in the suction lance. In this way it is also possible to connect the suction lance for evacuation with the suction hose of a vacuum cleaner or any hand pump.

In a further development of the invention, the suction lance on an elongated insertion with stepped mouth. This elongated insertion tube can be deeply inserted into a collecting container, the stepped mouth largely prevents clogging of the mouth opening. The mouth may also have radial slots which preferably continue to the outer peripheral surface of the mouth. This works reliably one Adding the opening while sucking the air in the reservoir against.

Another development of the invention is characterized in that the suction lance has a filter chamber for receiving the filter means with a collecting section for particles and liquids and a downstream of the collecting section reaction section. In this case, the collecting section may have a foam filter and the reaction section may have an activated carbon filter. In this way, it is ensured that particles and liquids are reliably retained by the foam mesh, while the odor causing contaminants are trapped by the activated carbon filter.

In another embodiment, a one-way valve for preventing gas backflow into the sump is provided. This one-way valve prevents after the evacuation of the collecting container, a backflow of air into the collecting container, so that after pulling the suction lance from the sump this can be closed in the evacuated state. Preferably, the one-way valve is disposed between the collection section and the reaction section.

In a further embodiment, a receptacle designed as a cone-shaped expanding pipe section is provided for evacuation means. This receptacle is used for example for picking up a vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner hose. Because the receptacle is designed as a cone-shaped widening pipe section, vacuum cleaners or vacuum cleaner hoses of different diameters can be accommodated. It can also be connected to a suitable hand pump.

The suction lance should also have an elongated outlet. The outlet can be arranged in the region of the receptacle. When the outlet has radial slots which preferably extend over the outer peripheral surface thereof, there is a large exit opening for gas flowing through the outlet.

In particular, in the application of the device according to the invention in the food industry, a liquid separator is appropriate. For example, if foodstuffs containing large quantities of liquid are to be packaged, this liquid can be taken up by the liquid separator, whereupon contamination of the rest of the apparatus is prevented. Preferably, the liquid separator should be removable. This is on the one hand given a simple cleaning option. On the other hand, the liquid separator can also be designed as a disposable product.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a collecting container is provided with a closable opening for introducing the objects and with an evacuation connection, which is designed as a hose nozzle. This sump cooperates in an advantageous manner with the suction lance. In this case, the insertion of the suction lance is inserted into the hose nozzle of the collecting container. After evacuating the collecting container of the insertion is then pulled out of the hose nozzle again, wherein the walls of the hose nozzle by the negative pressure generated create each other in such a way that the sump is already sealed almost tight. In this state, the hose nozzle can then be easily closed by knotting.

Preferably, the collecting container can be designed as a multi-way collection container. In a preferred embodiment, the collection container consists of a laminated two-layer film. An inner layer may consist of polyethylene (PE) and an outer layer of polyamide (PA). Polyethylene (PE) is inexpensive to manufacture and food safe. Polyamide (PA) is tear-resistant and airtight.

It is also advantageous if the hose nozzle has a plurality of ribs. These ribs can be formed, for example, simply by welding a portion of the walls of the hose nozzle with each other. These ribs provide stiffening and easy insertion of the introducer into the tubing. At the same time, clogging of the mouth region of the introduction nozzle is counteracted.

In another embodiment of the hose nozzle and / or the opening of the collecting container by means of a clip closure, a snap fastener or a zipper is closed. In this way, the sump can be easily and tightly closed. The clip closure, snap fastener or zipper may be laminated or welded to the sump or hose fitting. In this way, the sump can be produced in a single lamination or welding process.

Another embodiment of the collecting container is characterized in that the interior of the collecting container has a plurality of chambers. These chambers can be used to hold various objects. For example, separate chambers for vegetables, meat, starch supplement, Sauce as well as dessert be provided. In this way, the contents of each of the different chambers can be packaged in a palatable yet reliable manner. Preferably, the chambers are in fluid communication with each other and with the hose nozzle so as to uniformly evacuate all of the chambers. A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that free-hold means are provided for the fluid connection. In this way, a tightening of the fluid connection during evacuation is prevented.

It is also advantageous if the collecting container is formed of a suitable for microwave radiation synthetic resin material. In this way, the collection container with the food contained therein, for example, be placed completely in the microwave for heating.

According to another aspect of the invention, a vacuum packaging system is provided with a device and a collecting container with the features of the invention. Such a vacuum packaging system is versatile and flexible.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Sauglanze mit den Erfindungsmerkmalen,

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht der Sauglanze von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Rückansicht der Sauglanze,

Fig. 4

einen Sammelbehälter für die Sauglanze,

Fig. 5

einen Sammelbehälter nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 6

einen Sammelbehälter nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 7

einen Sammelbehälter nach einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 8

einen Sammelbehälter nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel, und

Fig. 9

ein Evakuiersystem mit den Erfindungsmerkmalen.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a suction lance with the invention features,

Fig. 2

a front view of the suction lance of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

a rear view of the suction lance,

Fig. 4

a sump for the suction lance,

Fig. 5

a collecting container according to a second embodiment,

Fig. 6

a collecting container according to a third embodiment,

Fig. 7

a collecting container according to a fourth embodiment,

Fig. 8

a collecting container according to a further embodiment, and

Fig. 9

an evacuation system with the invention features.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a suction lance 10 with the features of the invention. The suction lance 10 has a housing 11 with an insertion 12, a filter chamber 13 and a receptacle 14. The insertion 12 has an elongated, cylindrical shape and forms a channel inside 15, with the filter chamber 13 and at the end facing away from this with a Mouth 16 is connected. The mouth 16 is stepped, so that the insertion nozzle 12 has at least two outer diameters in the mouth region. In the region of the mouth 16, slots 17 are provided which extend radially and extend into the outer peripheral region of the mouth 16. The slots 17 are in fluid communication with the channel 15.

The filter chamber 13 has a first housing part 18 and a second housing part 19, which can be connected to one another by means of a bayonet closure or a thread. The first housing part 18 forms a collecting section, in which a foam filter 20 is arranged. Similarly, the second housing part 19 forms a reaction section in which an activated carbon filter 21 is arranged. In the assembled state, as shown in Fig. 1, between the foam filter 20 and the activated carbon filter 21, a one-way valve 22 is arranged, which separates the collecting portion of the reaction section.

As can be seen from the figure, the receptacle has a cone-shaped tubular section 23 widening towards its end facing away from the second housing part 19. In the interior of the pipe section 23, an outlet 24 is arranged. The outlet 24 has an elongated shape.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of the suction lance 10 in Fig. 1 seen from the left. As can be seen from the figure, a plurality of radially extending slots 17 are arranged in the region of the orifice 16 and surround an opening 25 arranged at the end in the mouth.

Fig. 3 shows a rear view of the suction lance 10 in Fig. 1 seen from the right. Clearly visible in the figure are a plurality of radial slots 26 in the region of the outlet 24. The end face of the outlet 24 is in turn interrupted by a plurality of circular openings 27.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a collecting container 28 for cooperation with the suction lance 10. The collection container 28 shown is a garbage bag 28 having a receiving portion 29, in the figure, a bag 29. The bag 29 has an opening 30 which in the shown Embodiment by means of a clip closure 31 is closed vacuum-tight. Next is the Bag 29 is connected to a hose nozzle 32 which has a plurality of ribs 33 and is further provided at the end remote from the bag 29 with an opening 34. The ribs 33 are formed by welding an edge region of the hose nozzle 32.

• Zunächst werden Abfälle in dem Beutel 29 gesammelt. Dazu ist die Öffnung 30 in einem geöffneten Zustand, so dass die Abfälle durch die Öffnung 30 in den Beutel 29 eingebracht werden können. Ist die vorgesehene Menge von Abfällen in dem Beutel 29 vorhanden, wird die Öffnung 30 mittels des Clipverschlusses 31 verschlossen. Sodann wird die Sauglanze 10 mit ihrem Einführstutzen 12 in die Öffnung 34 des Schlauchstutzens 32 eingeführt. Die Rippen 33 erleichtern dabei ein Einführen der Mündung 16. Als nächstes wird ein Staubsauger mit seinem Staubsaugerschlauch in die Aufnahme 14 gesteckt. Dazu wird das vordere Ende des Staubsaugerschlauches in den Rohrabschnitt 23 hinein geschoben. Durch den sich konusartig erweiternden Innenquerschnitt des Rohrabschnittes 23 muss der Außendurchmesser des Staubsaugerschlauches dabei nicht exakt auf den Rohrabschnitt 23 abgestimmt sein. Nach Einschalten des Staubsaugers gelangt die Luft aus dem Beutel 29 durch den Schlauchstutzen 32 und die Mündung 16 in den Kanal 15. Durch die gestufte Ausführung der Mündung 16 sowie die über die Außenumfangsfläche der Mündung 16 heraus verlaufenden Schlitze 17 wird dabei verhindert, dass sich der Beutel 29 oder der Schlauchstutzen 32 derart im Mündungsbereich 16 festsaugt, dass der Mündungsbereich 16 verschlossen wird. Die Rippen 33 unterstützen dabei das Freibleiben der Schlitze 17. Die Luft gelangt aus dem Kanal 15 in den ersten Gehäuseteil 18. Eventuell aus dem Beutel 29 mit abgesaugte Partikel oder flüssige Komponenten werden dabei zuverlässig von dem Schaumstofffilter 20 zurückgehalten. Die durch den Schaumstofffilter 20 hindurch gelangenden gasförmigen Komponenten passieren sodann den Aktivkohlefilter 21. Gerüche verursachende Verunreinigungen werden dabei von dem Aktivkohlefilter 21 zurückgehalten. Die so gereinigte Abluft aus dem Beutel 29 gelangt sodann durch die Schlitze 26 und die Öffnungen 27 aus dem Auslass 24 in den Rohrabschnitt 23 und wird dort von dem Staubsauger abgesaugt. Nach Abschalten des Staubsaugers kann die Luft nicht wieder in den Beutel 29 zurückströmen, da ein Rückströmen durch das Einwegventil 22 zuverlässig verhindert wird. Der Einführstutzen 12 wird aus dem Schlauchstutzen 32 herausgezogen, wobei durch das in dem Beutel 29 herrschende Vakuum die Wandbereiche des Schlauchstutzens 32 sich derart zusammenziehen, dass der Schlauchstutzen 32 vakuumdicht abdichtet. Der Schlauchstutzen 32 kann sodann durch einfaches Verknoten dauerhaft fest verschlossen werden.

The mode of operation and the interaction of the suction lance 10 with the collecting container 28 will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4:

• First, wastes are collected in the bag 29. For this purpose, the opening 30 is in an open state, so that the waste can be introduced through the opening 30 in the bag 29. If the intended amount of waste is present in the bag 29, the opening 30 is closed by means of the clip closure 31. Then, the suction lance 10 is inserted with its insertion 12 in the opening 34 of the hose nozzle 32. The ribs 33 facilitate insertion of the mouth 16. Next, a vacuum cleaner with its vacuum cleaner hose is inserted into the receptacle 14. For this purpose, the front end of the vacuum cleaner hose is pushed into the pipe section 23 inside. Due to the conically widening inner cross section of the pipe section 23, the outer diameter of the vacuum cleaner hose does not have to be exactly matched to the pipe section 23. After switching on the vacuum cleaner, the air from the bag 29 passes through the hose nozzle 32 and the mouth 16 in the channel 15. Due to the stepped design of the mouth 16 and over the outer peripheral surface of the mouth 16 extending out slots 17 is prevented that the Bag 29 or the hose nozzle 32 so sucks in the mouth region 16 that the mouth region 16 is closed. The air flows from the channel 15 into the first housing part 18. Possibly from the bag 29 with sucked-out particles or liquid components are thereby reliably retained by the foam filter 20. The passing through the foam filter 20 through gaseous components then pass through the activated carbon filter 21. Odor-causing impurities are retained by the activated carbon filter 21. The thus cleaned exhaust air from the bag 29 then passes through the slots 26 and the openings 27 from the outlet 24 into the pipe section 23 and is sucked there from the vacuum cleaner. After switching off the vacuum cleaner, the air can not flow back into the bag 29, as a return flow through the one-way valve 22 is reliably prevented. The insertion 12 is pulled out of the hose nozzle 32, wherein the prevailing in the bag 29 vacuum the wall portions of the hose nozzle 32 contract in such a way that the hose nozzle 32 seals vacuum-tight. The hose nozzle 32 can then be permanently closed by simple knotting.

Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a collecting container 35 with the features of the invention. The collecting container 35 substantially corresponds to the collecting container 28. The same elements bear the same reference numerals. Deviating from the collecting container 28, the collecting container 35 has a bag 36 with a plurality of chambers 37 to 43. The chambers 37 to 43 are separated from each other by means of webs 44 to 49. The webs 44 to 49 are formed for example as welds in the bag 36. In this case, in the respective webs 44 to 49 between adjacent chambers each have an opening 50 to 55. For the openings 50, 51 and 52 are also spacers 56, 57, 58 are provided by means of which clogging of the openings 50, 51, 52nd when evacuating the bag 36 is prevented.

In detail, the desired foods are introduced into the respective chambers 37 to 43 in the collecting container 35. In this case, in the chambers 41 to 43, for example, sauces or desserts are that are injected by means of an elongated cannula through the openings 53 to 55 in the respective chamber 41 to 43. In the chambers 37 to 40, for example, meat, side dishes, vegetables and starch supplements can be introduced separately. Then, the opening 30 is closed by means of the clip closure 31. The respective food in the chambers 37 to 43 are separated in this state by the webs 44 to 49 before each other. By inserting the filler neck 12 in the hose nozzle 32 can then be sucked by the suction lance 10 remaining in the bag 36 air. In this case, first the air is removed from the chamber 44, in which the air can flow through the openings 52 and 55 from the chambers 39 and 42. Likewise, the air from the chambers 37, 38, 39, 41, 42 through the openings 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 also pass into the chamber 40 and be sucked there by means of the suction lance 10. The spacers 56, 57, 58, which may be thickenings in the synthetic resin material of the bag 36, prevent clogging of the openings 50, 51, 53 by contracting the bag 36.

Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of a collecting container 59 with the features of the invention. The collecting container 59 essentially corresponds to the collecting containers 28 and 35 described above. The collecting container 59 likewise has a bag 60 with an opening 61 and a hose nozzle 62. The collecting container 59 is designed as a multi-way collecting container in the embodiment shown and consists of a laminated two-layer film. Specifically, an inner layer of the collection container 59 is made of polyethylene (PE), which on the one hand is food safe and on the other hand can be produced and processed inexpensively Collecting container 59 is made of polyamide (PA), which on the one hand is tear-resistant and on the other hand ensures the required airtightness.

The opening 61 is in the embodiment shown by means of a double executed clip closure 63, 64 airtight closed. Surrounding the bag is a weld 65 which connects the two halves of the bag.

The hose nozzle 62 has an opening 66, which is associated with a clip closure 67. Further, the longitudinal edges of the hose nozzle 62 adjacent welds 68 are provided corresponding to the ribs 33. After evacuation of the bag 60, the opening 66 is closed airtight by means of the clip closure 67.

The functioning of the collecting container 59 corresponds to that of the collecting containers 28 and 35. In the embodiment shown, the clip closures 63, 64, 67 and the welds 65, 68 can be produced during lamination, so that the collecting container 59 can be manufactured in a single operation.

Fig. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a collecting container 69 with the features of the invention. The collecting container 69 substantially corresponds to the collecting container 59 and also consists of a laminated two-layer film. Same elements bear the same reference numerals. In contrast to the collecting container 59, the collecting container 69 has a bag 70, the interior of which is divided into a plurality of chambers 71 to 75 by means of webs 76. The webs 76 are executed in the embodiment shown as welds and shoot in the lower area with the weld 65 from. The webs 76 extend parallel to each other upwards and end a distance from the clip closures 63, 64 spaced, so that the chambers 71 to 75 in the upper region of the webs 76 are in fluid communication with each other. In this way, the chambers 71 to 75 when evacuating the bag 70 as the chambers 37 to 43 of the collecting container 35 can be evacuated together.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a collecting container 77 with the features of the invention. The collecting container 77 substantially corresponds to the collecting container 69. The same elements bear the same reference numerals. In contrast to the collecting container 69, the collecting container 77 has a bag 78, whose chambers 71 to 75 are separated from one another by means of webs 79. Unlike the webs 76, the webs 79 end in the lower region of the weld 65 spaced so that the chambers 71 to 75 in both the upper and in the lower region of the webs 79 are in fluid communication with each other. This facilitates with larger items in the chambers 71 to 75, such as for example, fishing launched joint evacuation of the chambers 71 to 75.

9 shows an evacuation system 80 with the features of the invention. As can be seen from the figure, the evacuation system 80 has a hand pump 81 and a suction lance 82. The suction lance 82 corresponds structurally to the suction lance 10 of Fig. 1. The same elements bear the same reference numerals.

The hand pump 81 is detachably mounted on the upper end of the housing 11 of the suction lance 82 and has a pump portion 83 and a handle 84. By pulling the handle 84 out of the pumping section 83, a piston valve is pulled out of the pumping section 83 in a known manner by means of a pull rod, whereby air is sucked out of the suction lance 82.

By means of the evacuation system 80 and one of the collection containers 28, 35, 59, 69 or 70, a portable and network-independent vacuum packaging system can be provided. Especially in outdoor activities such as fishing in the wild, the caught fish can be placed in the respective collection and then vacuum-packed by means of the Evakuiersystems 80 by pressing the handle 84 in the respective collection container, in this way, on the one hand, the greatest possible durability reached caught fish. On the other hand, no flies or wildlife are attracted by the smell of the fish.

S u b e c ia l e s:

10

lance

11

casing

12

insertion support

13

filter chamber

14

admission

15

channel

16

muzzle

17

slot

18

first housing part

19

second housing part

20

foam filter

21

Activated carbon filter

22

one-way valve

23

pipe section

24

outlet

25

opening

26

slot

27

opening

28

Clippings

29

bag

30

opening

31

clip closure

32

hose nozzle

33

ribs

34

opening

35

Clippings

36

bag

37

chamber

38

chamber

39

chamber

40

chamber

41

chamber

42

chamber

43

chamber

44

web

45

web

46

web

47

web

48

web

49

web

50

opening

51

opening

52

opening

53

opening

54

opening

55

opening

56

spacer

57

spacer

58

spacer

59

Clippings

60

bag

61

opening

62

hose nozzle

63

clip closure

64

clip closure

65

Weld

66

opening

67

clip closure

68

Weld

69

Clippings

70

bag

71

chamber

72

chamber

73

chamber

74

chamber

75

chamber

76

web

77

Clippings

78

bag

79

web

80

evacuation

81

hand pump

82

lance

83

pumping section

84

grip

Claims (10)

Device for vacuum-packaging objects by evacuating the interior of a flexible collecting container (28), characterized by a suction lance (10) for introduction into the collecting container (28), by means of which the interior of the collecting container (28) is evacuated, and the filtering means (20, 20; 21) for retaining particles, liquid and / or other contaminants. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction lance (10) has an elongated insertion nozzle (12) with stepped mouth (16), which preferably has radial slots (17), and / or that the suction lance (10) has a filter chamber (16). 13) for receiving the filter means (20, 21) having a collecting portion (18) for particles and liquid and the collecting portion (18) downstream reaction portion (19), wherein the collecting portion (18) preferably a foam filter (20) and the reaction section (19) has an activated carbon filter (21). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a one-way valve (22) for preventing backflow of gas into the sump (28), which is preferably disposed between the sump portion (18) and the reaction portion (19), and / or by being conical in shape widening tube section (23) formed receptacle (14) for evacuation means (81), in particular a hand pump (81). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction lance (10) has an elongated outlet (24), which preferably has radial slots (27), and / or that a preferably removable liquid separator is provided. Container for a device according to one of the preceding claims with a closable opening (30, 61) for introducing the articles, and with an evacuation port, characterized in that the evacuation port is a hose nozzle (32, 62), and that it is preferably a multi-way collection container , Collecting container according to claim 5, characterized in that it consists of a laminated two-layer film, wherein preferably an inner layer of polyethylene (PE) and an outer layer of polyamide (PA), and / or that the hose nozzle (32, 62) has a plurality of ribs (33, 68). Collecting container according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the hose nozzle (32, 62) and / or the opening (30, 61) by means of a clip closure (31, 63, 64, 67), a snap fastener or a zipper is closed, wherein preferably the clip closure (31, 63, 64, 67), the pressure closure or the zipper is laminated or welded to the collection container or the hose nozzle (32, 62). Container according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by a plurality of chambers (37 to 43, 71 to 75) having interior, wherein preferably the chambers (37 to 43, 71 to 75) with each other and with the hose nozzle (32, 62) in Fluid connection are, and wherein in particular free-holding means (56, 57, 58) are provided for the fluid connection. Collecting container according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by a formation of a suitable for microwave radiation synthetic resin material. Vacuum packaging system consisting of a device according to one of claims 1 to 4 and a collecting container according to one of claims 5 to 9.

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