Vacuum Extractor Device

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application Nos. 202422748501.X filed on November 11, 2024 and 202520242784.2 filed on February 14, 2025. All the above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a field of vacuum extractor device and specifically relates to a portable vacuum extractor device for vacuumizing storage containers.

‌BACKGROUND ART

The disclosure provides background information related to the present application, which may not necessarily constitute prior art.

The core structure of the vacuum extractor device related to the technology of the application typically comprises a main unit housing a vacuum pump assembly, and is configured with one or more connectors at the end of the device to facilitate quick connection with various sealed containers (e.g., food preservation bags, storage jars, etc.).

In practical applications, when evacuating objects of high moisture content or humidity, liquid vapor may be taken into the main unit during the air extraction process, which leads to reduced extraction efficiency and risks causing chemical corrosion or physical clogging of the vacuum pump assembly, thereby compromising operational stability, service life, and user experience.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application aims to solve the problems that the generated liquid vapor is sucked into a main unit when the conventional vacuum extractor device works, which may cause problems of reducing the extraction efficiency, damaging vacuum pump components and influencing the user experience, and to provide the vacuum extractor device with a liquid-vapor substance isolating structure.

In order to solve the technical problem, the present application provides the following technical scheme:

a vacuum extractor device comprising: a main unit, a coupling seal and an air extraction connector; the main unit comprises a vacuum component and a first coupling terminal at least partially limited by an enclosure of a first coupling portion and air inlet channels connected to the vacuum component and the inner space of the first coupling portion; the coupling seal comprises a first sealing part that surrounds and covers at least part of the end of the first coupling portion, and a second sealing part that surrounds and covers at least part of the side of the first coupling portion; the air extraction connector comprises a rim wall with a connection port and a first air extraction port configured at the end away from the connection port, the rim wall is configured with a coupling step which fits with the second sealing part, and a gas-liquid separation compartment at least partially limited by the space between the rim wall and the first air extraction port; wherein, the air extraction connector is configured to be detachably assembled with the first coupling terminal, and the coupling step fits with the first sealing part, while the rim wall at least partially fits with the second sealing part.

According to the technical scheme disclosed by the application, the connection between the main unit and the air extraction connector is ensured to be tighter under the negative pressure environment through the dual-seal mechanism‌ of the first sealing part and the second sealing part, which improves the vacuum extraction efficiency. Because the gas-liquid separation compartment configured inside the air extraction connector can effectively isolate and block liquid in the container, which avoids the liquid directly getting into inside the main unit, thus protecting the vacuum component against avoiding liquid corrosion or blockage, and improving user experience.

Furthermore, the rim wall between the coupling step and the connection port is configured with a second coupling portion, which fits with the second sealing part. By utilizing the structure, the matching of the second coupling portion and the second sealing part further enhances the tightness performance of the device, and makes the assembly convenient and easy.

The present application also provides a vacuum-extraction device, which comprises a main unit and a coupling seal, wherein the main unit comprises a vacuum component and a first coupling terminal, wherein the first coupling terminal is at least partially limited by an enclosure of the first coupling portion and is configured with air inlet channels connected with the vacuum component and the inner space the first coupling portion; the coupling seal comprises a first sealing part which surrounds and covers at least part of the end of the first coupling portion; wherein, the first sealing part is used for hermetically connecting an air extraction connector. The first sealing part can effectively ensure that the connection between the main unit and the air extraction connector is tighter under the negative pressure environment, thus improving the vacuum-extraction efficiency.

The coupling seal further comprises a second sealing part that surrounds and covers at least part of the side of the first coupling portion, the second sealing part is used for hermetically connecting the air extraction connector, wherein the first sealing part and the second sealing part are integrally configured, and the coupling seal is sleeved on the first coupling portion through the second sealing part.

The present application also provides an air extraction connector, which comprises a rim wall and a first air extraction port. The rim wall is configured with a connection port, wherein the first air extraction port is configured at the end away from the connection port. The rim wall between the coupling step and the connection port is configured with a second coupling portion, and a gas-liquid separation compartment is partially limited by the space between the rim wall and the first air extraction port, wherein the first air extraction port is connected to the gas-liquid separation compartment, wherein the coupling step and the second coupling portion are configured to hermetically fit with the coupling seal of the first coupling terminal of the vacuum extractor device. Under negative pressure conditions, the hermetic fit of the coupling step and the coupling seal can ensure an airtight connection between the main unit and the air extraction connector, thereby enhancing vacuum extraction efficiency and operational reliability.

‌BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS‌

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vacuum extractor device;

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are exploded views of the vacuum extractor device;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the main unit, coupling seal, and air extraction connector;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main unit, coupling seal, and air extraction connector during assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main unit and coupling seal after disassembly;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling seal and air extraction connector in a disassembled state;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the air extraction connector;

FIG. 9 is a structural view of the adsorption seal;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air extraction connector;

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are structural view illustrating the first coupling portion and air extraction connector configured as square structures;

FIG. 13 is a structural view of the vacuum extractor device and attachment components;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the embodiment provides a vacuum extractor device comprising a main unit 1, a coupling seal 6, and an air extraction connector 2. The main unit 1 comprises a vacuum component 10' and a first coupling terminal 12. The first coupling terminal 12 is at least partially limited by a closure of the first coupling portion 121. The main unit 1 is configured with air inlet channels 13 connected to the vacuum component 10' and the inner space of the first coupling portion 121. The vacuum component 10' is configured with a vacuum pump, whose inlet port is connected to the air inlet channels 13.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, 10, and 12, the air extraction connector 2 comprises a rim wall 21' with a connection port 20 and a first air extraction port 21 configured at the end awa the connection port 20. The rim wall 21' is configured with a coupling step 211', and a gas-liquid separation compartment 22 is limited by the space between the rim wall 21' and the first air extraction port 21. The air extraction connector 2 is detachably assembled with the first coupling terminal 12 and hermetically connected with the coupling seal 6.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the coupling seal 6 comprises at least a first sealing part 61, which surrounds and covers at least part of the end of the first coupling portion 121, wherein the first sealing part 61 is configured to hermetically connected with the air extraction connector 2. Specifically, the coupling step 211' fits with the first sealing part 61. During vacuum extraction, the negative pressure generated by the vacuum component 10' sucks the air extraction connector 2 toward the main unit 1, pressing the coupling step 211' tightly against the first sealing part 61 to enhance axial airtightness. The term "surround and cover" means the first sealing part 61 clads around the entire circumference of the end of the first coupling portion 121, which makes the coupling step 211' and the end of the first coupling portion 121 can be sealed by the first sealing part 61. Surrounding and coverage at least a portion of the end of the first coupling portion 121 means that the first sealing part 61 does not necessarily clad the entire end of the first coupling portion 121 radially. The preferred embodiment comprises complete coverage of the entire end of the first coupling portion 121, as shown in the embodiments illustrated as FIGS. 3-7.

The coupling seal 6 further comprises a second sealing part 62, which surrounds and covers at least part of the side of the first coupling portion 121. The rim wall 21' at least partially fits with the second sealing part 62. The configuration of the second sealing part 62 to makes the air extraction connector 2 and the first coupling portion 121 hermetically assembled laterally, which further enhances airtightness. The coordinated action of the first sealing part 61 and the second sealing part 62 provides dual-seal mechanism to improve vacuum efficiency. The term "surround and cover" herein means the second sealing part 62 clads around the entire circumference of the side of the first coupling portion 121, which makes the rim wall 21' and the side of the first coupling portion 121 can be sealed by the second sealing part 62. Surrounding and coverage at least a portion of the side of the first coupling portion 121 means that the second sealing part 62 does not necessarily clad the entire end of the first coupling portion 121 axially. The preferred embodiment comprises complete coverage of the entire side of the first coupling portion 121, as shown in the embodiments illustrated as FIGS. 3-7.

In a preferred embodiment, the rim wall 21' is configured with transparent material to allow visual monitoring of liquid levels in the gas-liquid separation compartment 22 (e.g., overflow detection) for timely maintenance.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gas-liquid separation compartment 22 isolates the first air extraction port 21 from the air inlet channels 13, thereby preventing entrained liquids from entering the air inlet channels 13 during operation of the vacuum extractor device, instead, the liquids are stored in the gas-liquid separation compartment 22. The entrained liquids are temporarily stored in gas-liquid separation compartment 22 to separate gas from liquids, thus protecting the vacuum component 10' from corrosion or clogging by preventing the liquids from entering into the vacuum component 10'.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the rim wall 21' is configured with a second coupling portion 212' provided between the coupling step 211' and the connection port 20, wherein second coupling portion 212' engages with the second sealing part 62, which reinforces sealing of the device. As a specific mating configuration, the second coupling portion 212' and the second sealing part 62 are configured with an assembly-friendly taper, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The second coupling portion 212' and second sealing part 62 are correspondingly configured with a downward convergent taper that radially contracts from top to bottom. The taper configuration facilitates precise alignment between the second coupling portion 212' and the second sealing portion 62 during mating engagement, effectively reducing positional errors and operational resistance, thereby improving assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, the taper configuration optimizes geometric conformity at the mating interface, which forms a pressure-adaptive hermetic seal and increases extraction efficacy.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the second coupling portion 212' and the coupling step 211' are configured on the inner side of the rim wall 21'. The configuration ensures the sealing performance of the air extraction connector 2 and the first coupling terminal 12, which optimizes the installation structure of the coupling sealing 6 and simplifies the assembly process.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first sealing part 61 and the second sealing part 62 are integrated. The coupling seal 6 is sleeved onto the first coupling portion 121 via the second sealing part 62. The first sealing part 61 is configured as a closed-loop ring‌ structure which is ‌annularly configured on the bottom of the second sealing portion 62 and extend inwardly, so when the second sealing part 62 sleeves on the side of the first coupling portion 121, the end of the first coupling portion 121 engages with the upper surface of the first sealing part 61. The coupling seal 6 is preferably made of flexible material (e.g., rubber, silicone and plastics) for enhanced sealing performance. Using a one-piece structure, the coupling seal 6 can integrally fit the outer surface of the first coupling terminal 12 to maintain efficient air tightness; the one-piece structure may be easy and quick to install and has good economy.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, an assembly groove 1210 is configured between the first coupling portion 121 and the main unit 1, the assembly groove 1210 accommodates a seal coupling end 621 which is provide on the second sealing part 62 away from the first sealing part 61, wherein the seal coupling end 621 is installed in the assembly groove 1210. By setting the assembly groove 1210 between the first coupling portion 121 and the main unit 1 and installing the seal coupling end 621 in the assembly groove 1210, it can effectively prevent displacement or detachment of the coupling seal 6 caused by external forces acting on the seal coupling end 621 during operation, thereby ensuring stable and reliable sealing performance between the air extraction connector 2 and main unit 1.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, to further enhance the stability of the coupling seal 6, the seal coupling end 621 is configured with assembly parts 6211 of increased thickness. The assembly parts 6211 embed into the assembly groove 1210, allowing the coupling seal 6 to be securely inserted and retained within the assembly groove 1210.

Referring to FIG. 5, the underside of the rim wall 21' is connected with a bottom wall 22', the underside of the bottom wall 22' is configured with a first air extraction port 21; the bottom wall 22' is configured with a first air extraction channel 23 connecting the gas-liquid separation compartment 22 and the first air extraction port 21, and the upper end of the first air extraction channel 23 is configured with a liquid-isolating protrusion 231. The liquid-isolating protrusion 231 is configured as an annular hump extending upward around the end of the first air extraction channel 23. The liquid-isolating protrusion 231prevents the liquid which is sucked into the gas-liquid separation compartment 22 from flowing back into the first air extraction channel 23, thereby preventing backflow liquid from hindering vacuum extraction operations and ensuring consistent vacuum efficiency.

Naturally, in addition to the aforementioned configurations, an alternative approach comprises setting the minimum liquid level in the gas-liquid separation compartment 22 below the upper extremity of the first air extraction channel 23, so that it can effectively prevent liquid which has entered into the gas-liquid separation compartment 22 from directly flowing back into the first air extraction channel 23. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the bottom of the gas-liquid separation compartment 22, at the position corresponding to the first air extraction channel 23, is extended upward relative to its peripheral base areas to form a hump 25. Since the first air extraction channel 23 is configured on the hump 25, the upper end of the first air extraction channel 23 remains higher than the lowest liquid level in the gas-liquid separation compartment 22, thereby preventing liquid from directly entering the first air extraction channel 23. In this configuration, the hump 25 is configured as an arched surface structure with a higher central zone and lower peripheral edges, wherein the air extraction channel 23 is centrally configured on the hump 25 in certain embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, an adsorption seal 205 is assembled to the underside of the bottom wall 22’. This adsorption seal 205 is configured with an collar portion 206 protruding from the lower end of the air extraction connector 2, wherein the adsorption seal 205 limits at least a portion of the first air extraction port 21. By assembling the adsorption seal 205 to the underside of the bottom wall 22’, it achieves better sealing performance at the collar portion 206 of the air extraction connector 2, thus preventing leakage of gas or liquid from the container to the external environment.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, an installation groove 204 extending upward is configured on the underside of the bottom wall 22'. The adsorption seal 205 is hood-shaped and is embedded into the installation groove 204. The top wall of the adsorption seal 205 is configured with a through hole 223' in fluid communication with the first air extraction channel 23. This configuration of the adsorption seal 205 and installation groove 204 facilitates positional alignment for assembly of the adsorption seal 205 and establishes compact and secure fastening between the adsorption seal 205 and installation groove 204, and establishes lateral constraint mechanism against displacement.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 13, there are the diverse specifications of existing vacuum extraction containers, while additional vacuum extraction components are needed to collocate them with the vacuum extractor device during the evacuation process. As shown in FIG. 13, in specific embodiments, the vacuum extraction components comprise an adapter 4 attached to Mason jars as shown in the figure. This adapter 4 utilizes existing technology, whose working principle can be referenced in the Chinese patent CN221139421U. During vacuum evacuation, the adapter 4 is configured on the Mason jar. During vacuum extraction, the adapter 4 is configured on the Mason jar. By connecting the first air extraction port 21 to a vacuum guide port 41 of the adapter 4, the Mason jar can be evacuated.

As shown in FIG. 13, in some other specific embodiments, the vacuum extraction components comprise a vacuum extraction connector 5 as shown in the figure. The central part of the bottom wall 22’ is configured with an apex pin 221’ that extends downward to the lower end. The apex pin 221’ is configured to trigger to open the vacuum extraction connector 5, which is configured with a movable plug 8 and is connected to the first air extraction port 21. When the vacuum extraction connector 5 engages with the first air extraction port 21, the apex pin 221’ triggers the movable plug 8 to move downward to connect the first air extraction port 21 and the container to be evacuated. Conversely, when the vacuum extraction connector 5 is separated from the first air extraction port 21, the movable plug 8 moves upward to return to its original position, resealing the container to be evacuated. Therefore, the vacuum extraction connector 2 of this application, by being configured with the apex pin 221’, is able to adapt to containers that require additional vacuum extraction components, thereby enhancing its versatility.

The following is a detailed description of the vacuum extraction connector 5:

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the vacuum extraction connector 5 is configured with a joint 51 at the top of the vacuum extraction connector 5, the joint 51 is matched with the first air extraction port 21. The vacuum extraction connector 5 is configured with a sealing element 52 at the bottom of the vacuum extraction connector 5. an airflow channel 54, which penetrates through the bottom of the sealing element 52 to form an air extraction hole 53, is configured inside the sealing element 52. The joint 51 is configured with an extraction opening 55 that communicates with the airflow channel 54. A trigger element 56, which can move up and down to penetrate through the extraction opening 55, is configured inside the airflow channel 54. The trigger element 56 is configured with a movable plug 8 located within the airflow channel 54. The bottom of the sealing element 52 is configured with a sealing blocker 59, which is fixedly connected with the trigger element 56. An elastic component 58, which drives the trigger element 56 to move upward to lead the movable plug 8 to seal the extraction opening 55 and the sealing blocker 59 to seal the air extraction hole 53, is configured inside the airflow channel 54. When the first air extraction port 21 engages with the joint 51 of the vacuum extraction connector 5, the apex pin 221’ pushes the trigger element 56 downward, leading the movable plug 8 and the sealing blocker 59 to move downward, and opening the extraction opening 55 and the air extraction hole 53, thereby connecting the container to be evacuated.

In a specific application scenario, the aforementioned vacuum extraction connector 5 can be applied to containers containing liquids for vacuum extraction operations, such as wine bottles or beverage bottles, to seal bottles that have already been opened. Specifically, the sealing element 52 is inserted into the bottle mouth, when the joint 51 engages with the first air extraction port 21, the apex pin 221’ on the first air extraction port 21 will push the trigger 56 downward, leading the trigger 56, along with the movable plug 8 and the sealing blocker 59, to move downward together, which may open the extraction opening 55 and the air extraction hole 53, connecting the air inlet of the vacuum component 10’ with the air extraction hole 53, allowing the operator to evacuate the interior of the bottle. Once the joint 51 is separated from the first air extraction port 21, the elastic component 58 will drive the trigger 56 upward under its elastic force, leading the movable plug 8 and the sealing blocker 59 to seal the extraction opening 55 and the air extraction hole 53 again, thereby sealing the bottle and achieving vacuum storage of the liquid inside the bottle, which is very convenient.

The elastic component 58 is a spring which is sleeved on the outside of the trigger 56, with both ends respectively abut against the movable plug 8 and the bottom of the airflow channel 54. The sealing element 52 is configured as a tubular structure, with multiple annular sealing protrusions 521 arranged longitudinally on its periphery, thereby further enhancing the sealing effect.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the adsorption seal 205 is configured with a locating hole 222’ corresponding to the apex pin 221’. The apex pin 221’ is appropriately fitted through the locating hole 222’ and extends to the first air extraction port 21. Through the locating assembly of the apex pin 221’ and the locating hole 222’, the adsorption seal 205 can be quickly aligned and assembled with the air extraction connector 2. Moreover, the fit between the apex pin 221’ and the locating hole 222’ prevents the adsorption seal 205 from shifting, ensuring stable and reliable installation.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in some specific embodiments, the first coupling portion 121 and the air extraction connector 2 are configured as square structures.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the main unit 1 also comprises a control module 71 and a battery 72. The control module 71 comprises a control circuit 711. The vacuum component 10’ is electrically connected to the control circuit 711 and the battery 72. The battery 72 provides electrical energy, and the control circuit 711 controls the operating state of the vacuum component 10’. The control circuit 711 is configured with a switch 712 that can be controlled from the outside of the main unit 1, and the switch 712 used to start the vacuum component 10’.

In one embodiment, the battery 72 is a rechargeable battery 72, and the control module 71 may also comprise a charging module and a charging interface 715.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the control module 71 also comprises an air pressure sensor 713 and a pressure relief valve 714. The pressure sensor 713 and the pressure relief valve 714 are connected to the internal space of the first coupling portion 121, such as through piping, and the pressure sensor 713 and the pressure relief valve 714 are electrically connected to the control circuit 711. During operation, the air pressure sensor 713 detects the air pressure inside the internal space of the first coupling portion 121. When the detected pressure reaches a set value, the control circuit 711 controls the pressure relief valve 714 to connect with the external air, allowing the internal space of the first coupling portion 121 to be depressurized, which enables the user to easily separate the main unit 1 from the connected container after vacuum extraction is completed. The pressure sensor 713 and the pressure relief valve 714 are existing components, and the pressure relief valve 714 can be an electromagnetic valve.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the main unit 1 also comprises a bracket 14 and a housing 15. The control module 71 and the battery 72 are configured on the bracket 14, and the housing 15 is configured on the outside of the bracket 14 to cover the internal structure of the bracket 14. The first coupling terminal 12 is configured at one end of the bracket 14 and can be made by integral injection molding or by separate injection molding followed by assembly.

Compared with the existing technology, the present application provides a vacuum extractor device which may achieve a double-sealing effect by configuring a coupling seal 6 on the first coupling portion 121, thereby forming a sealing structure that provides a tight seal with the air extraction connector 2 configured at both the end and the side of the first coupling portion 121, which ensures the airtightness of the vacuum extraction process, thereby improving the efficiency of vacuum extraction and the user experience.

Based on the disclosures and teachings of the above description, those skilled in the art of the present application can also make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above. Some modifications and changes to the present application should also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present application. In addition, although some specific terms have been used in this description, these terms are used only for the ease of explanation and do not impose any limitations on the present application.