Stirring system Field of invention
The present disclosure relates to a stirring system, in particular a stirring system with a magnetic stirrer to be inserted in a receptacle such that a part of the magnetic stirrer seals the receptacle.
Background of invention
Typical stirring systems can be either mechanical or magnetic. A mechanical stirrer can get stuck and generate heat, which in worst case can lead to burning of the system. Other problems with mechanical stirrers may be related to cleaning and maintenance. Thus, magnetic stirrers are typically preferred for mixing purposes.
In typical magnetic stirring systems, a magnetic stirrer, such as a magnetic rod, is positioned in a receptacle, from outside of which a magnetic member is able to drive the magnetic rod, thereby stirring a liquid in the receptacle. In such typical systems, the receptacle normally only have one opening from which both the liquid and the magnetic member can enter the receptacle. After the liquid has been stirred, the stirred liquid can for example be poured out of the opening.
In stirring or frothing liquid, it may be important to move large quantities of fluid. A magnetic rod is not particular suited for moving large quantities of fluid, and the solution to move large quantities of fluid is therefore to make a large magnetic stirrer which has a greater surface than a rod, for example a fan. The large magnetic stirrer can then be placed at for example the bottom of the receptacle and driven magnetically. Typically, the large magnetic stirrer is pre-mounted to the receptacle, such that the receptacle just needs to be placed in contact with magnetic unit to drive the large magnetic stirrer.
One problem with pre-mounted large magnetic stirrers is, since they are mounted to the inside of the receptacle, that they are not easy to clean, for example after being used with sticky liquid. One solution to this problem is to make the large magnetic stirrer such that it after mounting can be detached from the bottom of the receptacle, and then being cleaned outside the receptacle. However, it may not always be possible or at least not easy to get access to the inside of the receptacle, implying that cleaning may be rather difficult. Furthermore, a simple receptacle, for example a container
having only a sidewall and a bottom, is typically designed such that liquid is not optimally mixed and/or frothed.
Summary of invention
Related to the above mentioned problems, it is desired to provide a stirring system with means for allowing a stirrer to be easily mounted inside a receptacle. In particular, it is desired that stirrer can be mounted from the outside and inside a receptacle having an opening for liquid, where the dimensions of the opening is smaller than the dimensions of the stirrer. . It is further desired to provide a stirring system that is optimised for stirring a liquid.
In order to solve the above described problems and address the above described need, the present disclosure relates to a stirring system, comprising: a receptacle comprising an inlet part and an outlet part for a liquid, wherein said outlet part is forming a stirring chamber; a base unit comprising a rotating unit comprising a magnetic member; a blocking unit comprising an outer surface configured for being mounted between said base unit and said receptacle such that said outer surface forms a connecting surface of said receptacle such that said connecting surface is fluid-tight; a magnetic stirrer located on said outer surface such that it is able to rotate on an axis of rotation normal to a part of said outer surface, and configured for being driven by said magnetic member when magnetically coupled to said magnetic member.
The stirring system may be such that many of the units may be integrated with each other. However, to ease maintenance, it may be preferred to have the units as separate units. Related to maintenance, it is of great advantage to have a magnetic stirrer instead of for example a mechanically coupled stirrer. A mechanically coupled stirrer is in direct contact with a rotating unit, and since the stirrer is in contact with the liquid, there is fluidic contact to the rotating unit, allowing exposure of liquid to the rotating unit, thereby contaminating the rotating unit such that maintenance or cleaning may be required. By having a magnetic stirrer, there is no direct contact between the liquid and the rotating unit, and in this case, the stirring system may not need to be maintained and cleaned to the same extent as a mechanically coupled stirrer. For example, in a conventional stirring system, when not being in use for a period, the system may be able to get choked, for example if a stirrer get stuck in dried liquid. In such conditions, the stirrer needs to be cleaned. However, by the present invention,
this cleaning may be avoided. Since the present invention provides a magnetic stirrer and a magnetic member, responsible for rotating the magnetic stirrer, magnetic contact between the magnetic member and the magnetic stirrer may be able to be reduced. Reduced magnetic contact may happen when for example the magnetic stirrer is stuck, at least for a short period of time. In other words the magnetic stirrer may be knocked back and forth due to reduced magnetic contact. In this way, dried liquid may be released from the magnetic stirrer, and the magnetic stirrer may thereby be loosened from its position. Thus, the present invention provides means for loosening a stuck stirrer and means for mixing and/or frothing a liquid in such a way that heat is not a problem that can cause burning of the system.
One purpose of the blocking unit is per se to block the liquid from the rotating unit, thus also providing a system with less requirements for maintenance and cleaning. By having that the outlet part is forming a stirring chamber, it is according to the present disclosure possible to stir the liquid, thereby mixing and/or frothing the liquid. Another purpose of a stirring chamber, still in fluid connection with the receptacle, may be that the dimension of such chamber allows for optimized mixing and/or for frothing the liquid. In other words, the mixing chamber guides the liquid to the magnetic stirrer and may generate a desired flow and turbulence. The receptacle itself may not guide the liquid to the magnetic stirrer and may itself not generate a desired flow and turbulence.
Further, the present disclosure relates to a stirring adaptor, comprising: a blocking unit comprising an outer surface configured for being mounted between a base unit and a receptacle such that said outer surface forms a connecting surface of said receptacle such that said connecting surface is fluid-tight; a magnetic stirrer located on said outer surface such that it is able to rotate on an axis of rotation normal to a part of said outer surface, configured for being driven by a magnetic member when magnetically coupled to said magnetic member.
The stirring adaptor may be used in a stirring system as previously described, where a magnetic stirrer may already be in place. Accordingly, the stirring adaptor, when used in a stirring system, may be replaced, for example if a new is desired or required.
The stirring adaptor may be used to replace a mechanically coupled stirrer, for example in existing mechanically coupled stirring systems, for example in order to provide a stirring system with less maintenance and/or cleaning. To drive the magnetic stirrer, it may be required to provide a magnetic member. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a stirring adaptor assembly, comprising: a magnetic member configured to be connected to a rotating unit; a blocking unit comprising an outer surface configured for being mounted between a base unit and a receptacle such that said outer surface forms a connecting surface of said receptacle such that said connecting surface is fluid-tight; a magnetic stirrer located on said outer surface such that it is able to rotate on an axis of rotation normal to a part of said outer surface, configured for being driven by said magnetic member when magnetically coupled to said magnetic member.
The magnetic member may then be attached a rotating unit, that may previously have been used for mechanically drive a mechanically coupled stirrer. Description of drawings
Fig. 1 shows a first side view of an embodiment of the stirring system according to the present invention with specific features shown separated from each other.
Fig. 2 shows a second side view of an embodiment of the stirring system according to the present invention with specific features shown separated from each other.
Fig. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the stirring system according to the present invention with specific features shown as assembled.
Detailed description of the invention
The general idea of the invention is that the magnetic stirrer is located on the blocking unit, such that the receptacle with a hole, i.e. an outlet part, can be blocked, i.e. made fluid-tight, and at the same time be provided with a magnetic stirrer inside the receptacle. Further details of the magnetic member and the other features of the present invention are described in details below.
Magnetic member In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic member and said magnetic stirrer have the same axis of rotation. In this way the coupling between magnetic member and magnetic stirrer may yield the strongest magnetic coupling, thereby providing the most efficient transfer of energy. Accordingly, the axis of rotation may be co-aligned with an axis of said outlet.
In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic member comprises a disc, that itself may be magnetic. In this way, magnets may not need to be inserted into or onto a non-magnetic disc. However, the magnetic member may be of any suitable material and comprise one or more magnet(s). Likewise, the magnetic member may comprise one or more hole(s) configured for housing said magnet(s), for example such that this may be a compact configuration, but also for providing a magnetic member with a small amount of obstructions such that for example a fast rotation in the air, that is without introducing air drag by obstructions, is possible. The magnet(s) may be covered by such as a lid or integrated into the magnetic member, such that there may be no fluid contact to the magnet(s). In relation hereto, the rotating unit may be configured to rotate such as up to such as up to 25000 RPM, such as up to 24000 RPM, such as up to 23000 RPM, such as up to 22000 RPM, such as up to 21000 RPM, such as up to 20000 RPM, such as up to 19000 RPM, such as up to 18000 RPM, such as up to 17000 RPM, such as up to 16000 RPM, such as up to 15000 RPM, such as up to 14000 RPM, such as up to 13000 RPM, such as up to
12000 RPM, such as up to 1 1000 RPM, such as up to 10000 RPM, such as up to 9000 RPM, such as up to 8000 RPM, such as up to 7000 RPM, such as up to 6000 RPM, such as up to 5000 RPM, such as up to 4000 RPM, such as up to 3000 RPM, such as up to 2000 RPM or such as up 1000 RPM.
Magnetic stirrer
The magnetic stirrer may per se be configured for stirring a liquid, but in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic stirrer is configured for frothing said liquid. The term frothing liquid is to be understood as making foam of the liquid, or more specifically to make a mass of fine bubbles in or on a liquid. The foam may be cream or creamy foam, for example on top of a liquid, such as coffee or chocolate, but the liquid itself may also be made creamy, for example a creamy soup. Cream may however be made by just stirring. Frothing a liquid requires much more than just stirring a liquid. The rotation of the stirrer may be particular fast in comparison to a stirrer configured for stirring a liquid. It may be essential to have no obstructions on a stirrer which is configured for frothing. For example, if a stirrer has obstructions, such as vanes or blades, there may be fluidic resistance during stirring, and a stirrer with such obstructions may not work properly for frothing a liquid.
The magnetic stirrer may comprise a disc, that itself may be magnetic. In this way, magnets may not need to be inserted into or onto a non-magnetic disc, for example, the magnetic stirrer, when for example a non-magnetic disc, may comprise a ceramic material. Having a ceramic material may be well suited for being in contact with a liquid. However, the magnetic stirrer may be of any suitable material and comprise one or more magnet(s). Likewise, the magnetic stirrer may comprise one or more hole(s) configured for housing said magnet(s), for example such that this may be a compact configuration, but also for providing a magnetic stirrer with a small amount of obstructions such that for example a fast rotation in the liquid, that is without introducing liquid resistance by obstructions, is possible. The magnet(s) may be covered by such as a lid or integrated into the magnetic stirrer, such that there may be no fluid contact to the magnet(s). In this regard, the magnetic stirrer may comprise a flat or partly flat surface such that it for example is optimized for rotating with great speed in a liquid. Alternatively, the magnetic stirrer may comprise one or more radial recess(es) as such recess(es) may be optimal for stirring and especially for frothing the liquid. The recess(es) may be of any suitable shape, such as round, such as elliptical, such as triangular or such as rectangular.
Furthermore, the magnetic stirrer and said part of said outer surface may be configured for protecting said bearing from liquid. Again, this may be for reducing liquid resistance. In relation hereto, the magnetic stirrer is configured to rotate such as up to 25000 RPM,
such as up to 24000 RPM, such as up to 23000 RPM, such as up to 22000 RPM, such as up to 21000 RPM, such as up to 20000 RPM, such as up to 19000 RPM, such as up to 18000 RPM, such as up to 17000 RPM, such as up to 16000 RPM, such as up to 15000 RPM, such as up to 14000 RPM, such as up to 13000 RPM, such as up to 12000 RPM, such as up to 11000 RPM, such as up to 10000 RPM, such as up to 9000 RPM, such as up to 8000 RPM, such as up to 7000 RPM, such as up to 6000 RPM, such as up to 5000 RPM, such as up to 4000 RPM, such as up to 3000 RPM, such as up to 2000 RPM or such as up 1000 RPM. The magnet(s) in the magnetic stirrer and/or the magnetic member may be neodymium magnet(s). However, it may be enough that only either the magnetic member or the magnetic stirrer comprises magnets. For example, the magnetic member may comprise magnets, and the magnetic stirrer may itself be magnetic, thereby being able to magnetically couple with the magnet(s). An advantage of neodymium magnet may be their strong magnetic force and compact size.
Blocking unit
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking unit is cylindrical, and the part of said outer surface may be circular, specifically when the blocking unit is cylindrical. However, any suitable shape of the blocking unit could have a part of said outer surface to be circular. For example, a first part of the outer surface of the blocking unit may be elliptical, whereas another part of the outer surface of the blocking unit may be circular. The blocking unit may be mounted to said base unit and receptacle in a horizontal plane such that said magnetic stirrer has said axis of rotation in said horizontal plane. In this way, the receptacle may accordingly have an outlet part in the horizontal plane. When the magnetic stirrer has the axis of rotation in the horizontal plane, the magnetic stirrer is able to stir liquid such that it may create a flow along the horizontal plane. As this flow is perpendicular to the pull of gravity, one advantage of having the magnetic stirrer with the axis of rotation in the horizontal plane, may be that the flow may move the liquid more easily than if the stirrer was placed with the axis of rotation in a vertical plane. Preferably, the blocking unit comprises an opening to be sealed such that no liquid get into the blocking unit. For example, the base unit may comprise a sealing member, such as an O-ring, to seal said opening when the blocking unit is mounted to the base unit. Likewise, the blocking unit may comprise a sealing member, such as an O-ring to seal the outlet part when being mounted to said receptacle. Accordingly, the blocking unit may be configured for enclosing said rotating unit such that said rotating unit and said magnetic member is mechanically separated from said magnetic stirrer.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the blocking unit is an integrated part of said base unit, for example in assembled systems. Assembled system may be assembled such that all the units or parts of the units are integrated such that the units or parts of the units may not be un-mounted, at least not easily. Furthermore, an assembled system may be assembled with integrated units. However, in assembly or mounting of the blocking unit to base unit and/or receptacle, it is preferred that the blocking unit comprises a flange.
Inlet part and outlet part
The inlet part and outlet part may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port,
respectively.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet part comprises a funnel configured for receiving a liquid. In this way, the inlet part may have a varying inlet dimension along the inlet part such that at some point, the inlet part has a smallest cross sectional area of said inlet part.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the outlet part has a cross sectional area larger than a smallest cross sectional area of said inlet part. This construction may for example be such that the receptacle fits inside a machine, or for example to save material and for being compact. In such cases, it may be impossible to place the magnetic stirrer, as attached to the blocking unit, inside the receptacle via the inlet part or to take the magnetic stirrer, as attached to the blocking unit, out of the receptacle via the inlet part. However, this causes no problems using the present invention, because the magnetic stirrer is able to be placed inside the receptacle via the outlet part.
In a more preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet part is forming an extension of said receptacle such that this is forming the stirring chamber.
Most preferably, the outlet part has a cylindrical cross section and positioned along a horizontal axis. In regard to the horizontal axis, and because the pull of gravity is along a vertical axis, it may be important that the outlet part is such that the liquid may be able to flow away from the magnetic stirrer, for example, it may be such that the outlet part is in fluid connection with a second outlet part such that said liquid is able to being dispensed after and/or before being stirred, meaning being mixed or frothed.
As previously described, the outlet part may have dimensions that are optimized for mixing or frothing a liquid. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet part has a cross section, of a circle or ellipse, having a major axis, such as a diameter that is less than 90 mm, such as less than 80 mm, such as less than 70 mm, such as less than 60 mm, such as less than 50 mm, such as less than 40 mm, such as less than 30 mm, such as less than 20 mm or such as less than 10 mm. The outlet part
may accordingly have a length such as less than 100 mm, such as less than 90 mm, such as less than 80 mm, such as less than 70 mm, such as less than 60 mm, such as less than 50 mm, such as less than 40 mm, such as less than 30 mm, such as less than 20 mm or such as less than 10 mm.
As also previously described, the second outlet part may be such that liquid is able to being dispensed after and/or before being stirred, meaning being mixed or frothed. Thus, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second outlet part has a cross section of a circle or ellipse, having a major axis, such as a diameter, as is less than 90 mm, such as less than 80 mm, such as less than 70 mm, such as less than 60 mm, such as less than 50 mm, such as less than 40 mm, such as less than 30 mm, such as less than 20 mm or such as less than 10 mm. The second outlet part may accordingly have a length such as less than 100 mm, such as less than 90 mm, such as less than 80 mm, such as less than 70 mm, such as less than 60 mm, such as less than 50 mm, such as less than 40 mm, such as less than 30 mm, such as less than 20 mm or such as less than 10 mm.
Bearing
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the stirring system further comprises a bearing for mechanically connecting said magnetic stirrer to said outer surface such that magnetic stirrer is able rotate with low friction on said axis of rotation normal to a part of said outer surface. In this way, the magnetic stirrer may be able to rotate with a relatively high speed. In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the bearing is attached to a centre of a part of said outer surface, and likewise, the bearing may be attached to a centre of said magnetic stirrer. In such configuration, optimal stirring may be provided.
Preferably the bearing may be a slide bearing, but the bearing may also be a ball bearing, a needle roller bearing, or an integrated part of said magnetic stirrer. Related to a bearing as an integrated part of said magnetic stirrer, the magnetic stirrer may be the bearing.
Mounting means
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the stirring system further comprises a first mounting means located on said blocking unit configured for being mounted to said base unit. In addition, the stirring system may further comprise a second mounting means located on said blocking unit and configured for being mounted to said receptacle. In this way, the stirring system as assembled, or rather as mounted, may be a rigid and solidly interconnected construction. The mounting means may be any suitable mounting means, such as for example a bayonet mounting.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first mounting means and/or second mounting means comprises an L-shaped extension, for example on a flange. Such an L-shaped extension may be able to engage in a slit, in particular a slit with different widths, for example such that the horizontal part of the L-shaped extension engages the wide part of the slit and the vertical part of the L-shaped extension engages the narrow part of the slit, for example in a two-step engagement, consisting of a translation into the wide part of the slit followed by a rotation into the narrow part of the slit. Accordingly, the first mounting means and/or second mounting means may comprise a slit, such as a slit with different widths.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first mounting means and/or second mounting means comprises a curved slit, such that the two-step engagement as just described may be achieved. Such an engagement provides that the system may be mounted easily.
According to the present disclosure, the first mounting means may be configured for mounting said blocking unit by rotation of said blocking unit and the second mounting means may configured for mounting said receptacle by rotation of said receptacle and/or said blocking unit.
Liquid
In general the liquid may be any drinkable liquid such as water, milk, soda, juice, in particular fruit juice, coffee, tea, chocolate milk, made of chocolate and milk, chocolate powder and milk, chocolate powder and water.
According the present disclosure, the liquid may be a milk containing liquid, such as milk, chocolate milk, coffee with milk, tea with milk, or milk containing powder such as chocolate powder.
The liquid may contain any powder such as flavour containing powder such as coffee powder, milk powder, or chocolate powder, in particular water or milk with powder.
The liquid may also be a sugar containing liquid, such as chocolate milk or tea with sugar, coffee with sugar. Further, the liquid may be a soup.
Example 1
Fig. 1 shows a first side view of an embodiment of the stirring system according to the present invention with specific features shown separated from each other. The stirring system comprises: a receptacle 1 comprising an inlet part 2 and an outlet part 3 for a liquid, wherein said outlet part 3 is forming stirring chamber; a base unit 4 comprising a rotating unit 5 comprising a magnetic member 6; a blocking unit 7 comprising an outer surface 8 configured for being mounted between said base unit 4 and said receptacle 1 such that said outer surface 8 forms a connecting surface of said receptacle 1 such that said connecting surface 8 is fluid tight; a magnetic stirrer 9 located on said outer surface 8 such that it is able to rotate on an axis of rotation 10 normal to a part of said outer surface 8, and configured for being driven by said magnetic member 6 when magnetically coupled to said magnetic member 6. Furthermore, the stirring system comprises a first mounting means 11 (best seen in Fig. 2) located on said blocking unit 7 configured for being mounted to said base unit 4. A second mounting means 12 (best seen in Fig. 2) is located on said blocking unit 7 and configured for being mounted to said receptacle 1. In addition, the stirring system comprises a bearing 13 for mechanically connecting said magnetic stirrer 9 to said outer surface 8 such that magnetic stirrer 9 is able rotate with low friction on said axis of rotation 10 normal to a part of said outer surface 8. The blocking unit 7 is mounted to the base unit 4 and receptacle 1 in a horizontal plane such that said magnetic stirrer 9 has said axis of rotation 10 in said horizontal plane. Also, the magnetic member 6 and said magnetic stirrer 9 have the same axis of rotation and said axis of rotation 10a is co-aligned with an axis 10b of said outlet part 3. Furthermore, the blocking unit is cylindrical such that said part of said outer surface is circular. In this example, the bearing 13 is attached to
a centre of the part of said outer surface 8, and further attached to a centre of said magnetic stirrer 9. As shown, the bearing 13 is a ball bearing. Even further, the blocking unit comprises an opening 14, and the base unit 4 comprises a sealing member 15, here an O-ring, to seal said opening 14. Another sealing member 15, here an O-ring, is attached to blocking unit to seal said outlet part 3 when being mounted to said receptacle 1. By having the opening 14, the blocking unit 7 is configured for enclosing said rotating unit 5 such that said rotating unit 5 and said magnetic member 6 is mechanically separated from said magnetic stirrer 9. The magnetic member 6 comprises a disc and in this case four magnets 16 (all seen in Fig. 2). Furthermore, the magnetic member 6 comprises four holes 17 (all seen in Fig. 2) configured for housing the magnets 16. The magnetic stirrer 9 comprises a disc, which has a partly flat surface. As shown here, the magnetic stirrer 9 and said part of said outer surface 8 are configured for enclosing said bearing 13. Furthermore, the magnetic stirrer comprises four magnets 18 (all seen in Fig. 2) and four holes 19 (all seen in Fig. 2) configured for housing the magnets 18. Related to the mounting means, the first mounting means 11 and second mounting means 12 are located on two separate flanges 20. The first mounting means 11 comprises an L-shaped extension, to engage with a curved slit with different widths on the base unit, such that the first mounting means 11 is configured for mounting said blocking unit 7 by rotation of said blocking unit 7. The second mounting means 11 comprises a curved slit with different widths, to engage with an L-shaped extension on the receptacle, such that the second mounting means 11 is configured for mounting said blocking unit 7 by rotation of said receptacle and/or said blocking unit 7. The outlet part 3 has a cross sectional area larger than a smallest cross sectional area of said inlet part 2 and the outlet part 3 is in fluid connection with a second outlet part 21 such that said liquid is able to being dispensed after and/or before being frothed. The inlet part 2 comprises a funnel 22 configured for receiving a liquid.
Example 2
Fig. 2 shows a second side view of an embodiment of the stirring system according to the present invention with specific features shown separated from each other. The stirring system comprises: a receptacle 1 comprising an inlet part 2 and an outlet part 3 for a liquid, wherein said outlet part 3 is forming a stirring chamber; a base unit 4 comprising a rotating unit 5 (only visible in Fig. 1) comprising a magnetic member 6; a blocking unit 7 comprising an outer surface 8 configured for being mounted between said base unit 4 and said receptacle 1 such that said outer surface 8 forms a
connecting surface of said receptacle 1 such that said connecting surface 8 is fluid- tight; a magnetic stirrer 9 located on said outer surface 8 such that it is able to rotate on an axis of rotation 10 normal to a part of said outer surface 8, and configured for being driven by said magnetic member 6 when magnetically coupled to said magnetic member 6. Furthermore, the stirring system comprises a first mounting means 11 located on said blocking unit 7 configured for being mounted to said base unit 4. A second mounting means 12 is located on said blocking unit 7 and configured for being mounted to said receptacle 1. In addition, the stirring system comprises a bearing 13 for mechanically connecting said magnetic stirrer 9 to said outer surface 8 such that magnetic stirrer 9 is able rotate with low friction on said axis of rotation 10 normal to a part of said outer surface 8. The blocking unit 7 is mounted to the base unit 4 and receptacle 1 in a horizontal plane such that said magnetic stirrer 9 has said axis of rotation 10 in said horizontal plane. Also, the magnetic member 6 and said magnetic stirrer 9 have the same axis of rotation and said axis of rotation 10a is co-aligned with an axis 10b of said outlet part 3. Furthermore, the blocking unit is cylindrical such that said part of said outer surface is circular. In this example, the bearing 13 is attached to a centre of the part of said outer surface 8, and further attached to a centre of said magnetic stirrer 9. As shown, the bearing 13 is a ball bearing. Even further, the blocking unit comprises an opening 14, and the base unit 4 comprises a sealing member 15, here an O-ring, to seal said opening 14. Another sealing member 15, here an O-ring, is attached to blocking unit to seal said outlet part 3 when being mounted to said receptacle 1. By having the opening 14, the blocking unit 7 is configured for enclosing said rotating unit 5 such that said rotating unit 5 and said magnetic member 6 is mechanically separated from said magnetic stirrer 9. The magnetic member 6 comprises a disc and in this case four magnets 16. Furthermore, the magnetic member 6 comprises four holes 17 configured for housing the magnets 16. The magnetic stirrer 9 comprises a disc, which has a partly flat surface (see Fig 1). As shown here, the magnetic stirrer 9 and said part of said outer surface 8 are configured for enclosing said bearing 13. Furthermore, the magnetic stirrer comprises four magnets 18 and four holes 19 configured for housing the magnets 18. Related to the mounting means, the first mounting means 11 and second mounting means 12 are located on two separate flanges 20. The first mounting means 11 comprises an L-shaped extension, to engage with a curved slit with different widths on the base unit, such that the first mounting means 11 is configured for mounting said blocking unit 7 by rotation of said blocking unit 7. The second mounting means 11 comprises a curved slit with different widths, to engage with an L-shaped extension on the receptacle, such that the second mounting
means 11 is configured for mounting said blocking unit 7 by rotation of said receptacle and/or said blocking unit 7. The outlet part 3 is forming a stirring chamber and the outlet part is in fluid connection with a second outlet part 21 such that said liquid is able to being dispensed after and/or before being frothed. The inlet part 2 comprises a funnel 22 configured for receiving a liquid.
Example 3
Fig. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the stirring system according to the present invention with specific features shown as assembled. The stirring system comprises: a receptacle 1 comprising an inlet part 2 and an outlet part 3 for a liquid, wherein said outlet part 3 is forming a mixing chamber; a base unit 4 comprising a rotating unit 5 comprising a magnetic member 6; a blocking unit 7 comprising an outer surface 8 configured for being mounted between said base unit 4 and said receptacle 1 such that said outer surface 8 forms a connecting surface of said receptacle 1 such that said connecting surface 8 is fluid-tight; a magnetic stirrer 9 located on said outer surface 8 such that it is able to rotate on an axis of rotation normal to a part of said outer surface 8, and configured for being driven by said magnetic member 6 when magnetically coupled to said magnetic member 6. The stirring system comprises a bearing 13 for mechanically connecting said magnetic stirrer 9 to said outer surface 8 such that magnetic stirrer 9 is able rotate with low friction. The blocking unit 7 is mounted to the base unit 4 and receptacle 1 in a horizontal plane such that said magnetic stirrer 9 has said axis of rotation in said horizontal plane. Also, the magnetic member 6 and said magnetic stirrer 9 have the same axis of rotation and said axis of rotation is co-aligned with an axis of said outlet part 3. Furthermore, the blocking unit is cylindrical such that said part of said outer surface is circular. In this example, the bearing 13 is attached to a centre of the part of said outer surface 8, and further attached to a centre of said magnetic stirrer 9. As shown, the bearing 13 is a ball bearing. Even further, the blocking unit comprises an opening 14, and the base unit 4 comprises a sealing member 15, here an O-ring, to seal said opening 14. By having the opening 14, the blocking unit 7 is configured for enclosing said rotating unit 5 such that said rotating unit 5 and said magnetic member 6 is mechanically separated from said magnetic stirrer 9. The magnetic member 6 and the magnetic stirrer comprise a disc. The magnetic stirrer has a partly flat surface. As shown here, the magnetic stirrer 9 and said part of said outer surface 8 are configured for enclosing said bearing 13. The outlet part 3 is forming a stirring chamber and the outlet is in fluid connection with a second outlet 21 such that said liquid is able to being dispensed after and/or before
being frothed. The inlet part 2 comprises a funnel 22 configured for receiving a liquid. In the stirring system as assembled, the blocking unit 7 may be an integrated part of said base unit 4. In other words, the blocking unit 7 may comprise an outer surface 8 that may be pre-mounted, or rather integrated, between said base unit 4 and said receptacle 1 such that said outer surface 8 forms a connecting surface of said receptacle 1 such that said connecting surface 8 is fluid-tight.