FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag and a method for sealing a vacuum bag. Embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to a vacuum-tight sealing of a vacuum bag for storing items such as food.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In vacuum packing, air is removed from a package prior to sealing. The packing involves placing items such as food in a plastic bag, removing air from the inside by means of an evacuation process, and sealing the bag. In particular, the bag is heated with a heater, and thus the bag melts and is closed.

[0003] During the evacuation process of the vacuum bag, particularly if the vacuum bag contains a large amount of fluid, the fluid will be drawn out of the vacuum bag together with the air. The fluid may cause bad odors inside the vacuum mechanism of the apparatus, which may fill with the fluid. Further, the fluid may damage the vacuum mechanism of the apparatus and/or other parts of the apparatus, thereby degrading a durability of the apparatus.

[0004] In view of the above, new apparatuses for sealing a vacuum bag and methods for sealing a vacuum bag that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial. SUMMARY

[0005] In light of the above, an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag and a method for sealing a vacuum bag are provided.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved sealing mechanism for a vacuum bag, and in particular a vacuum bag for storing items such as food. It is a particular object of the present disclosure to prevent a contamination of an interior of the apparatus by fluid from the vacuum bag.

[0007] Further objects, aspects, benefits, and features of the present disclosure are apparent from the claims, the description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag, and particularly a vacuum bag for storing food items, is provided. The apparatus includes a body defining at least a part of a reception space, wherein the reception space is configured to receive at least a part of a vacuum bag for sealing, and wherein the body includes a fluid collection space for collecting fluid drawn out of the vacuum bag during an evacuation process; and at least one absorbent unit located in the fluid collection space to absorb the fluid flowing into the fluid collection space.

[0009] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for sealing a vacuum bag, and particularly a vacuum bag for storing food items, is provided. The method includes evacuating a vacuum bag using a vacuum mechanism; and collecting fluid drawn out from the vacuum bag during the evacuation in a fluid collection space, wherein the fluid is absorbed by at least one absorbent unit located in the fluid collection space.

[0010] Embodiments are also directed at devices for carrying out the disclosed methods and include apparatus parts for performing each described method aspect. These method aspects may be performed by way of hardware components, a computer programmed by appropriate software, by any combination of the two or in any other manner. Furthermore, embodiments according to the disclosure are also directed at methods for operating the described apparatus. The methods include method aspects for carrying out every function of the apparatus for sealing the vacuum bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein;

FIGs. 2A and B show schematic views of an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an apparatus for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure and is not meant as a limitation of the disclosure. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.

[0013] During the evacuation process of the vacuum bag, particularly if the vacuum bag contains a large amount of fluid, the fluid will be drawn out of the vacuum bag together with the air. The fluid may cause bad odors inside the vacuum mechanism of the apparatus, which may fill with the fluid. Further, the fluid may damage the vacuum mechanism of the apparatus and/or other parts of the apparatus, thereby degrading a durability of the apparatus.

[0014] The embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above drawbacks by providing the at least one absorbent unit in the fluid collection space to absorb the fluid flowing out of the vacuum bag during the evacuation process. The fluid is thus collected and can be removed e.g. manually by a user or by heating the at least one absorbent unit to evaporate the fluid. Thereby, the generation of bad smell can be avoided. Further, a contamination of the vacuum mechanism of the apparatus and/or other parts of the apparatus can be prevented, whereby a durability of the apparatus can be improved.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 100 for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein. The apparatus 100 can also be referred to as a “sealing apparatus”.

[0016] The apparatus 100 includes a body 110 defining at least a part of a reception space 120, wherein the reception space 120 is configured to receive a vacuum bag for sealing, and wherein the body 110 includes a fluid collection space 130 for collecting fluid drawn out of the vacuum bag during an evacuation process; and at least one absorbent unit 140 located in the fluid collection space 130 to absorb the fluid flowing into the fluid collection space 130.

[0017] The apparatus 100 may include one or more electrically conductive elements (not shown) configured to seal the vacuum bag. In particular, a current may flow through the one or more electrically conductive elements, such as conductive wires or bars, whereby the one or more electrically conductive elements are heated. The heat provided by the one or more electrically conductive elements melts a part of the vacuum bag and the vacuum bag is sealed thereby.

[0018] In order to provide the current, the apparatus 100 may further include a power source connected to the one or more electrically conductive elements. The power source may be configured to provide a predetermined current which is suitable to heat the one or more electrically conductive elements and melt the part of the vacuum bag without destroying the vacuum bag and/or the vacuum inside of the vacuum bag.

[0019] The apparatus 100 further includes a vacuum mechanism configured to perform the evacuation process of the vacuum bag. In particular, the vacuum mechanism is configured to remove air from the inside of the vacuum bag to generate a technical vacuum before the vacuum bag is sealed e.g. by heat. The vacuum ensures that items placed in the vacuum bag, such as food items, stay longer fresh.

[0020] A vacuum is generally understood as a space essentially devoid of matter. The term “vacuum” as used throughout the present application is particularly understood as a technical vacuum, i.e., a region with a gaseous pressure much less than atmospheric pressure.

[0021] The vacuum mechanism may be configured to generate the (technical) vacuum inside of the reception space 120 and optionally the fluid collection space 130. The reception space 130 may thus be referred to as “vacuum space”. [0022] In some implementations, the reception space 120 and the fluid collection space 130 may be connected. For example, the reception space 120 and the fluid collection space 130 may be connected to form one common reception and fluid collection space. In some embodiments, the fluid collection space 130 may be provided by at least one recess or depression in the body 110 and/or the reception space 120.

[0023] During the evacuation process, fluids may exit the vacuum bag and flow into the reception and fluid collection space, and in particular the fluid collection space 130, where the fluid is absorbed by the at least one absorbent unit 140. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one absorbent unit 140 includes, or is, a sponge. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the at least one absorbent unit 140 may be made of any other material suitable to absorb fluids.

[0024] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the body 110 includes a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. The first portion 112 and the second portion 113 may define the reception space 120 and/or the fluid collection space 130 therebetween. The first portion 112 may be an upper portion and the second portion 114 may be a lower portion of the body 110. The terms “upper” and “lower” may be defined with respect to a vertical direction.

[0025] In some implementations, the fluid collection space 130 may be provided at, or in, the second portion 114. The fluid collection space 130 may be provided by at least one recess or depression at or in the second portion 114, as it is illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. For example, the at least one recess or depression may be provided at or in an upper surface of the second portion 114 of the body 110 of the apparatus 100.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 may be moveable with respect to each other, as it is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1. In one example, the first portion 112 may be moveable and the second portion 114 may be stationary. In another example, the first portion 112 may be stationary and the second portion 114 may be moveable. In yet another example, both the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 may be moveable.

[0027] The first portion 112 and the second portion 114 may have a gap G therebetween which defines the reception space 120. The gap G between the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 may be enlarged or reduced by the relative movement between the first portion 112 and the second portion 114.

[0028] The gap G may be configured such that the vacuum bag (or a part of the vacuum bag) can be inserted therein. When the vacuum bag or the part of the vacuum bag is inserted in the gap G and the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 are moved with respect to each other such that the gap G closes, the vacuum bag may be clamped between the first portion 112 and the second portion 114.

[0029] The one or more electrically conductive elements may contact the vacuum bag to seal the vacuum bag when the vacuum bag is clamped between the first portion 112 and the second portion 114. A current may flow through the one or more electrically conductive elements, such as conductive wires or bars, whereby the one or more electrically conductive elements are heated. The heat provided by the one or more electrically conductive elements melts a part of the vacuum bag and the vacuum bag is sealed thereby.

[0030] For example, two opposite side walls of the vacuum bag can be pressed together by the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 to fix the bag vacuum therebetween. Once the contacts have been established, the current can be supplied by the apparatus 100 to seal the vacuum bag essentially vacuum-tight by melting a part of the vacuum bag such that the two sidewalls of the vacuum bag adhere to each other.

[0031] FIGs. 2A and B show schematic views of an apparatus 100 for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein.

[0032] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one absorbent unit 140 is configured to increase a volume thereof when the fluid is absorbed. FIG. 2A shows a state before the at least one absorbent unit 140 has absorbed any fluid, and FIG. 2B shows a state after the at least one absorbent unit 140 has absorbed fluid from the vacuum bag.

[0033] The at least one absorbent unit 140 is bigger in FIG. 2B than in FIG. 2A. In particular, a size and/or volume and/or height of the at least one absorbent unit 140 may increase when the at least one absorbent unit 140 absorbs the fluid from the vacuum bag.

[0034] In some implementations, the apparatus 100 further includes at least one contact element 150. The at least one contact element 150 may cover at least a part of the fluid collection space 130. For example, the fluid collection space 130 may be open at a top side thereof. The at least one contact element 150 may be located at the top side of the fluid collection space 130 so as to cover at least a part of the open top side.

[0035] The at least one absorbent unit 140 may be configured to contact the at least one contact element 150 once the at least one absorbent unit 140 has absorbed a certain amount of fluid, i.e., when the at least one absorbent unit 140 has reached a certain size/volume/height. Further, the at least one absorbent unit 140 may not contact the at least one contact element 150 when the at least one absorbent unit 140 has absorbed less that the certain amount of fluid, i.e., when the at least one absorbent unit 140 has not reached the certain size/volume/height.

[0036] FIG. 2A exemplarily shows a situation in which the at least one absorbent unit 140 does not contact the at least one contact element 150. FIG. 2B shows a case in which the at least one absorbent unit 140 contacts the at least one contact element 150.

[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one contact element 150 may be an electrically conductive element, such as an electrically conductive wire. When the at least one absorbent unit 140 contacts the at least one contact element 150, electrical characteristics of the at least one contact element 150 change. These changes can be measured by means of voltage measurements and/or current measurements such that the contact can be detected. [0038] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 100 includes a notification unit configured to notify a user when the at least one absorbent unit 140 contacts the at least one contact element 150. In particular, the user can be notified e.g. acoustically and/or visually that the apparatus 100 requires his or her attention. The user can replace the at least one absorbent unit 140 by a new one, or the user can wring out the at least one absorbent unit 140 to remove the fluid absorbed in the at least one absorbent unit 140. Alternatively, the user may activate at least one heater unit of the apparatus 100 to evaporate the fluid absorbed in the at least one absorbent unit 140.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein.

[0040] The apparatus 100 includes the reception space 120 and the fluid collection space 130. The vacuum mechanism may be configured to generate the vacuum inside of the reception space 120 and the fluid collection space 130. The reception space 130 may thus be referred to as “vacuum space”. In some implementations, the reception space 120 and the fluid collection space 130 may be connected. For example, the reception space 120 and the fluid collection space 130 may be connected to form one common reception and fluid collection space.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fluid collection space 130 may be provided by at least one recess or depression in the body 110. In the example of FIG. 3, the fluid collection space 130 is provided as recess or depression in a bottom portion of the reception space 120.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a front view of an apparatus 100 for sealing a vacuum bag according to embodiments described herein.

[0043] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus 100 includes a service opening 160. The service opening 160 is located such that the at least one absorbent unit (not shown) can be moved through the service opening 160 e.g. by a user. For example, the user can remove the at least one absorbent unit to replace the at least one absorbent unit or to wring out the at least one absorbent unit. The user may remove the at least one absorbent unit using his hand and/or tweezers and/or a drawer mechanism.

[0044] In some implementations, the apparatus 100 may include a display unit 170. The display unit 170 may be configured to display an operation state of the apparatus 100. Further, the display unit 170 may be configured as a touch screen that allows a control of the apparatus 100 by means of touch control.

[0045] The display unit 170 may further serve as the notification unit configured to notify a user when the at least one absorbent unit contacts the at least one contact element. In particular, the user can be notified e.g. acoustically and/or visually that the apparatus 100 requires his or her attention. The user can replace the at least one absorbent unit by a new one, or the user can wring out the at least one absorbent unit to remove the fluid absorbed in the at least one absorbent unit. Alternatively, the user may activate at least one heater unit of the apparatus 100 to evaporate the fluid absorbed in the at least one absorbent unit.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for sealing a vacuum bag 200 according to embodiments described herein.

[0047] The vacuum bag 200 is inserted in the apparatus 100, and in particular the reception pace thereof. Then, the vacuum bag 200 is evacuated using the vacuum mechanism. Fluid from the vacuum bag 200 is collected in the fluid collection space and is absorbed by the at least one absorbent unit located in the fluid collection space. When the evacuation process is completed, two opposite sidewalls of the vacuum bag can be adhered to each other e.g. by applying heat.

[0048] The present disclosure uses the at least one absorbent unit in the fluid collection space to absorb the fluid flowing out of the vacuum bag during the evacuation process. The fluid is thus collected and can be removed e.g. manually by a user or by heating the at least one absorbent unit to evaporate the fluid. Thereby, the generation of bad smell can be avoided. Further, a contamination of the vacuum mechanism of the apparatus and/or other parts of the apparatus can be prevented, whereby a durability of the apparatus can be improved. [0049] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.