DE202016102979U1 - Device for foaming a liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (10) for foaming a liquid, essentially consisting of a container (11), a lid (12) which can be placed on the container (11), an actuating rod (14) mounted in a passage (13) in the lid (12), wherein the feedthrough (13) has an internal thread (23) and the actuating rod (14) has an external thread (15), so that when the actuating rod (14) is displaced vertically (z), this also performs a rotary movement (r), and at least one of Container-side end of the actuating rod (14) arranged disc-shaped, guided in the container mixing element (16) comprising a foam-producing screen (17), characterized in that the mixing element (16) has a first region (A) and a second region (B) wherein the first region (A), starting from a first deformation axis (a) an upward curved course and the second region (B) starting from a second deformation axis (b) entgegengese this The curved axes (a, b) intersect at the center (M) of the mixing element (16).

Description

The invention relates to a device for foaming a liquid, consisting essentially of a container, a lid which can be placed on the container, an actuating rod mounted in a bushing in the cover, wherein the bushing has an internal thread and the actuating rod has an external thread, so that with vertical displacement the actuating rod this also performs a rotational movement, and at least one arranged on the container side end of the actuating rod disc-shaped, guided in the container mixing element, which comprises a foam-producing screen.

Such a device is for example from the WO 2008/028308 A1 known.

Such devices may be used, for example, for frothing milk, soy milk, cream or similar liquids filled in the container. For this purpose, designed as a threaded rod actuating rod is moved vertically. In addition to the vertical movement, this leads through the interaction with the internal thread in the cover also a radial movement. The arranged at the end of the actuating rod and guided in the container piston-like mixing element therefore makes both a vertical and a rotational movement through the liquid.

By means of the movement of the mixing element through the liquid, this is mixed with air and it comes to a foaming. The known from the prior art piston-like mixing element has two spaced-apart planar discs with passages, between which a sieve and an annular coil spring are arranged.

A disadvantage of the known prior art is, inter alia, the complex, difficult to clean and expensive construction of the piston-like mixing element of several components.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a new device for foaming a liquid, in which with a simple and inexpensive construction of the device better mixing and foam generation of the liquid is possible.

The invention achieves the object by a device for foaming a liquid with the features of claim 1.

Device for foaming a liquid, essentially consisting of a container, a lid which can be placed on the container, an actuating rod mounted in a bushing in the cover, wherein the bushing has an internal thread and the actuating rod has an external thread, so that when the actuating rod is displaced vertically, this too performs a rotational movement, and at least one arranged on the container side end of the actuating rod disc-shaped, guided in the container mixing element, which comprises a foam-producing screen, characterized in that the mixing element has a first region and a second region, wherein the first region starting from a first deformation axis has an upward curved course and the second region, starting from a second deformation axis has a this opposite downward curved course and the deformation axes in the center of the mixing element sch envy.

The device according to the invention has the advantage that the curved course of the mixing element increases its surface which comes into contact with the liquid during foaming. The mixing element, by virtue of its curved shape, combines properties of a propeller and of a conventional planar mixing element and therefore has favorable flow properties for both foaming and vertical movement for foaming. The advantageous flow properties are characterized by increasing the flow resistance of the mixing element, whereby more energy can be transferred from the mixing element to the liquid. This leads to improved mixing of the liquid with air and thus to a better result of the foaming. The large foam bubbles which occur in the liquid during the vertical movement and the rotary movement of the mixing element are divided by the sieve and the resulting foam is thereby homogenized.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention for foaming a liquid is that the device can be produced inexpensively by the simple construction of the mixing element.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first region extends at least partially above a fastening plane of the mixing element and the second region extends at least partially below the fastening plane. The mounting plane starts from the center of the mixing element and extends at right angles to the actuating rod. As a result, the mixing element is designed saddle-shaped, which additionally improves the flow properties of the mixing element.

A further improvement of the mixing can be achieved by that cutting the first deformation axis and the second deformation axis at an angle of 90 °, and the upwardly and downwardly bent regions have surfaces of equal size.

As a result, all areas of the mixing element are constructed symmetrically and as uniform as possible mixing is given.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixing element for stabilizing its shape on the outer peripheral edge of an outer frame and towards its center toward an inner frame, extending from the outer frame to the inner frame evenly distributed spoke-like struts. Through this framework can z. B. a wire mesh designed sieve are fixed in the desired shape. It is particularly preferred if the outer frame, the inner frame and extending therebetween struts as Kunststoffumspritzung, z. B. of polyethylene, are formed. As a result, a simple and inexpensive production of the mixing element is given.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an upper and a lower mixing element are arranged at a constant distance from one another at the container-side end of the actuating rod. By using two parallel mixing elements, the mixing of the liquid and thus the foaming is further improved.

It is advantageous if the distance between the mixing elements is dimensioned such that the lowest point of the edge of the upper mixing element with the highest point of the edge of the lower mixing element is in a plane. With a rotation of the mixing elements of them always the entire gap is roamed. As a result, a dead space between the mixing elements can be avoided and the flow resistance that is advantageous for foaming can be further increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixing element can be detachably arranged on the fastening rod. This offers the advantage that the mixing element can be easily disassembled, for example for cleaning.

For the releasable attachment, it may be preferred if the actuating rod is formed at the free end of a square profile on which the mixing element can be pushed positively, wherein the square profile has an internal thread into which an abutment protecting in the mixing element abutment is screwed. As a result, the simple and easy attachment of the mixing element is given. Particularly preferably, the square profile has a flange at its upper edge, so that the mixing element is securely mounted between the flange and the abutment.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the following embodiment.

Show it:

1 perspective side view of a device for foaming a liquid,

2a Top view of a mixing element of the device according to 1 .

2 B Side view of the mixing element according to view arrow IIb 2a .

2c Side view of the mixing element according to view arrow IIc in 2a and 2 B .

3 Exploded view of the device for foaming a liquid according to 1 .

4 Cross-section through the device for foaming a liquid according to section IV-IV in 3 ,

5 perspective side view of the device for foaming a liquid according to 1 with vertically shifted actuating rod,

In the following, a device for frothing a liquid, in short milk frother, is designated by the reference numeral 10 quantified.

In 1 is the milk frother 10 shown in a perspective side view. The milk frother 10 consists essentially of a cylindrical container 11 , This is on a non-slip foot for its safe standing 19 arranged and at its upper edge 34with a spout opening 29 Mistake. On the container 11 is a lid 12 with a circumferential, sealing lid edge 24 can be placed, its opening 28 for a serving of milk froth with the spout opening is aligned.

Through an implementation 13 of the lid 12 is an operating rod 14 guided, which with its external thread 15 into that - in the 5 - Illustrated internal thread 23 intervenes. At its upper end, the actuating rod 14 a rotatable about the axis of the actuating rod 14 arranged handle 18 on. Will on the handle 18 pulled, it comes not only to a vertical displacement z of the actuating rod 14 but also by means of the interaction of the external thread 15 with the internal thread 23 to a corresponding rotational movement r.

At the container end of the operating rod 14 are at a constant distance from each other two disc-shaped mixing elements 16 arranged. These mixing elements each comprise a foam-producing screen 17 ,

In the 2a -C is one of these mixing elements 16 drawn in detail. It covers at the outer circumferential edge 20 an outer frame 30 and an inner frame towards its center M. 31 , Between the outer frame 30 and the inner frame 31 There are four inner struts 21 along the deformation axes a, b. The frames 30 and 31 and the struts 21 are as Kunststoffumspritzungen on sieve 17 arranged. Central to the mixing element 16 is located to its mounting and stable positioning on the actuating rod 14 (please refer 3 ) a square shot 22 having tubular endpiece 32 , which is materially connected to the inner frame.

In the side views of the 2 B according to arrow IIb and the 2c according to arrow IIc in the 2a is watching the shape of the mixing element 16 by a first region A, A 'and a second region B, B' is conditional, wherein the first region A, A 'starting from a first deformation axis a shows an upward curved course and the second region B, B' starting from a second deformation axis b has a this opposite, bent down course.

The deformation axes a, b give at the mixing element 16 the directions in which this each has its greatest curvature.

The deformation axes a and b intersect - as in 2a and 2c shown in the center M of the mixing element 16 at an angle of 90 °. The two areas A, A ', B, B' have the same size surfaces. Starting from a mounting plane E, which of the center M of the mixing element 16 goes out and in the assembled state at right angles to the actuating rod 14 stands, the two areas A, A ', B, B' extend to one above and the other below the mounting plane E. By their curved course are the areas A, A ', B, B' of the disc-shaped mixing element 16 therefore not plan in the mounting plane E and are designed saddle-shaped.

In the 3 is the milk frother 10 shown in an exploded view. Here you can see how the two mixing elements 16 with their square shots 22 on one at the free end of the operating rod 14 cohesively arranged square profile 25 are deferrable. The square profile 25 has a flange at its upper end 27 and at the free end an internal thread 33 on (see 4 ). In the internal thread 33 is one of the mixing elements 16 supporting abutment 26 screwed. In the assembled state, therefore, the two mixing elements 16 between the flange 27 at the upper end of the square profile 25 and the abutment 26 braced.

For foaming a liquid, preferably milk, in such a milk frother 10 the milk is first added to the container 11 filled, up to about one third of its volume.

Subsequently, the lid is 12 so on the container 11 set that opening 28 the lid edge 24 not with the spout opening 29 flees. As a result, contamination of the operator or the environment is prevented by squirting milk during foaming.

Upon actuation of the handle 18 in the vertical direction z there is a rotational movement r in the internal thread 23 the implementation 13 with its external thread 15 engaging operating rod 14 (please refer 5 ). The mixing elements 16 while roaming the in the container 11 arranged milk. The saddle-shaped curved mixing elements 16 offer a relatively large flow resistance due to their curved shape. As a result, more kinetic energy of the mixing elements 16 transferred to the milk. This leads to improved mixing of the liquid in the container 11 with air and thus to a better result of the foaming. The in the vertical movement z and the rotational movement r of the mixing elements 16 in the liquid occurring large foam bubbles are through the sieve 17 divided and the resulting foam homogenized.

In addition, the distance between the mixing elements 16 such that the lowest point of the edge 20 of the upper mixing element 16 with the highest point of the edge 20 of the lower mixing element 16 lies in a plane, causing the mixing elements 16 always roam through their entire interspace during a rotation This avoids a dead space between the mixing elements 16 and increases the advantageous for the foaming flow resistance.

By multiple up and down movement of the actuating rod 14 and thereby accelerating the mixing elements 16 in the appropriate directions, it comes to foam, wherein. a rapid succession running up and down movement of the mixing elements 16 leads to the best result of foaming. After frothing the milk, the lid can be used to portion the resulting frothed milk 12 be positioned so that the spout opening 29 with the opening 28 the lid edge 24 is in a flight and the milk foam can be poured out.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 milk frother

11

 container

12

 cover

13

Carrying out the lid 12

14

 actuating rod

15

External thread of the actuating rod 14

16

 mixing element

17

 scree

18

 handle

19

 foot

20

 outer edge

21

 inner aspiration

22

 Square drive

23

Internal thread of the bushing 13

24

 cover edge

25

 Square profile

26

 abutment

27

 flange

28

Opening the lid edge 24

29

 spout

30

 outer frame

31

 inner frame

32

 extension

33

Internal thread of the square profile 25

34

Edge of the container 11

M

Center of the mixing element 16

A, A ', B, B'

Areas of the mixing element 16

a, b

 deformation axes

z

vertical shift

r

 rotary motion

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2008/028308 A1 [0002]

Claims (9)

Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid, essentially consisting of a container ( 11 ), one on the container ( 11 ) attachable lid ( 12 ), one in an implementation ( 13 ) in the lid ( 12 ) mounted operating rod ( 14 ), the implementation ( 13 ) an internal thread ( 23 ) and the actuating rod ( 14 ) an external thread ( 15 ), so that when vertical displacement (z) of the actuating rod ( 14 ) this also performs a rotary movement (r), and at least one at the container-side end of the actuating rod ( 14 ) arranged disc-shaped, guided in the container mixing element ( 16 ), which is a foam-producing sieve ( 17 ), characterized in that the mixing element ( 16 ) has a first region (A) and a second region (B), the first region (A) starting from a first deformation axis (a) an upward curved course and the second region (B) starting from a second deformation axis (b ) has an opposite downward curved course and the deformation axes (a, b) in the center (M) of the mixing element ( 16 ) to cut. Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that the first region (A) at least partially above a mounting plane (E) of the mixing element ( 16 ) and the second region (B) extends at least partially below the attachment plane (E). Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first deformation axis (a) and the second deformation axis (b) intersect at an angle of 90 ° and the upwardly and downwardly bent regions (A, B) have the same size surfaces. Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing element ( 16 ) to stabilize its shape on the outer peripheral edge ( 20 ) an outer frame ( 30 ) and to its center (M) towards an inner frame ( 31 ), whereby from the outer frame ( 30 ) to the inner frame ( 31 ) evenly distributed spoke-like struts ( 21 ). Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer frame ( 30 ), the inner frame ( 31 ) and the struts extending between them ( 21 ) are formed as plastic encapsulation. Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the container-side end of the actuating rod ( 14 ) an upper and a lower mixing element ( 16 ) are arranged at a constant distance from each other. Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to claim 6, characterized in that the distance between the mixing elements ( 16 ) is such that the lowest point of the edge ( 20 ) of the upper mixing element ( 16 ) with the highest point of the edge ( 20 ) of the lower mixing element ( 16 ) lies in one plane. Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing element ( 16 ) detachable on the actuating rod ( 14 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 10 ) for foaming a liquid according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating rod ( 14 ) at the free end as a square profile ( 25 ) is formed, on which the mixing element ( 16 ) is positively slidable, wherein the square profile ( 25 ) an internal thread ( 23 ) into which a mixing element ( 16 ) supporting abutment ( 26 ) can be screwed.

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