WO2016165454A1

WO2016165454A1 - A liquid stirring apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016165454A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/073220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Weizhong Li; Yewu Zhong
Original assignee: Top Electric Appliances Industrial Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-15
Filing date: 2016-02-02
Publication date: 2016-10-20
Also published as: CN204600200U

Abstract

A liquid stirring apparatus (100) comprises a container (102) for receiving liquid to be stirred, a stirrer (32) received within the container (102), a non-contact driving mechanism (105) arranged externally of the container (102) for driving the stirrer (32), and a retaining means (20) arranged within the container (102) for carrying an additive. The retaining means (20) comprises at least one aperture (22) to allow at least part of the additive to be released into the liquid, but to prevent the additive from directly contacting with a bottom surface of the container (102). A stirrer holder (34) for positioning the stirrer (32) within the container (102), wherein the retaining means (20) comprises one or more side walls (45), at least one of the one or more side walls (45) is arranged such that liquid flow above a carrying surface of the retaining means (20) is adapted to be deflected by the at least one of the side walls (45). A stirrer assembly (10) for use in the liquid stirring apparatus (100) is also constructed.

Description

A LIQUID STIRRING APPARATUS

Technical Field

The invention relates to a liquid stirring apparatus and particularly, but not exclusively, to a liquid stirring apparatus for frothing milk or a milk based food liquid.

Background Art

Liquid stirring apparatuses which provide heating and stirring at a relatively high speed so as to froth a milk or a milk based liquid contained thereby are commercially available in the market. Some of these liquid stirring apparatuses or milk frothers are configured with means to discharge flavorings such as chocolate or coffee in, for example, powder or granular forms into the milk so as to prepare a flavored beverage. Nevertheless, many of these liquid stirrers are known to suffer from uneven discharging of the flavorings and/or incomplete dissolution of the flavorings into the liquid. In addition, there is also a known problem associated with these liquid stirrers or milk frothers in that the flavorings such as, chocolate powders or granules, if not completely dissolved, may clog the stirrer and/or stick at the bottom or other parts of the container, which are difficult to remove during cleaning. In addition, the clogged chocolate residues could be further burnt by the heat generated by the apparatus. These problems are undesirable as they may not only affect the taste of the processed beverage due to the reduced content of the flavorings dissolved, but the presence of the burnt flavorings may further deteriorate the quality of the beverage, or even make the beverage inconsumable.

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid stirring apparatus, in which the aforesaid shortcomings are mitigated or at least to provide a useful alternative.

　　　Another object of the invention is to mitigate or obviate to some degree one or more problems associated with known liquid stirring apparatus.

　　　The above object is met by the combination of features of the main claims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

　　　One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention.

Technical Solution

In a first main aspect, the invention provides a liquid stirring apparatus, comprising: a container for receiving a liquid to be stirred; a stirrer received within the container; a non-contact driving mechanism arranged externally of the container for driving the stirrer; a retaining means arranged within the container for carrying an additive, the retaining means comprising at least one aperture to allow at least part of the additive to be released into the liquid, but prevent the additive from directly contacting a bottom surface of the container; a stirrer holder for positioning the stirrer within the container, the stirrer holder is arranged such that it positions the retaining means within the container; wherein the retaining means comprises one or more side walls, at least one of the one or more side walls is arranged such that liquid flow above a carrying surface of the retaining means is adapted to be deflected by the at least one of the side walls.

　　　In a second main aspect, the invention provides a stirrer assembly for use in a liquid stirring apparatus, comprising a retaining means for carrying an additive to the liquid, the retaining means comprising at least one aperture to allow at least part of the additive to be released out of the retaining means; and a stirrer and a stirrer holder for positioning the stirrer; wherein the stirrer holder is releasably engageable with the retaining means such that it positions the retaining means when in use; wherein the retaining means comprises one or more side walls, at least one of the one or more side walls is arranged such that liquid flow above a carrying surface of the retaining means is adapted to be deflected by the at least one of the side walls.

　　　The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed features.　　　

Description of Drawings

The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which:

　　　Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a stirrer assembly for use in a liquid stirring apparatus according to the present invention;

　　　Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the stirrer assembly of Figure 1 in an assembled state;

　　　Figure 3 is a top view showing a retaining means of the stirrer assembly of Figure 1;

　　　Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid stirring apparatus with the stirrer assembly of Figure 1 arranged therein;

　　　Figure 5 is an exploded view showing the parts of the liquid stirring apparatus of Figure 4;

　　　Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the stirrer assembly according to the present invention;

　　　Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the stirrer assembly of Figure 6 in an assembled state;

　　　Figure 8 is an exploded view showing a third embodiment of the stirrer assembly according to the present invention;

　　　Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid stirring apparatus with the stirrer assembly of Figure 8 arranged therein;

　　　Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the stirrer assembly and the corresponding a liquid stirring apparatus according to the present invention;

　　　Figure 11 is an exploded view showing the parts of the liquid stirring apparatus of Figure 10;

　　　Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the stirrer assembly of Figure 10;

　　　Figure 13 is a cross-section view showing a fifth embodiment of the stirrer assembly and the corresponding a liquid stirring apparatus according to the present invention;

　　　Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the stirrer assembly of Figure 13; and

　　　Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the stirrer assembly according to the present invention; and

　　　Figure 16 is an exploded view showing the parts of the stirrer assembly of Figure 15.

Mode for Invention

The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

　　　Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

　　　In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.

　　　Referring to Figure 1, shown is an embodiment of the stirrer assembly 10 for use in a liquid stirring apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The stirrer assembly 10 comprises a retaining means 20 in the form of a receptacle or a basket, and a stirring device 30. The retaining means 20 is adapted to carry an additive and comprises at least one aperture 22 to allow at least part of the additive to be released into the liquid processible by the liquid stirring apparatus 100, and at the same time, prevent any large granules or clumps of the additive from directly contacting the bottom surface of the container by retaining them inside the receptacle. Examples of the additive include, but are not limited to, one or more flavorings for beverages such as chocolate or coffee in powder, granular, pellet, flake, lump or bulk forms. In use, the chocolate or coffee additive, for example, would be at least partially dissolved into the liquid such as a milk or a milk based liquid so as to prepare a chocolate or coffee flavored milk or beverage. The dissolved additive will be allowed to release from the retaining means 20 into the container, but any undissolved or less soluble parts of the additive with larger size will be retained by the retaining means 20 so that they would not clog or stick at the bottom of the container and/or with the stirrer.

　　　The stirring device 30 comprises a stirrer 32 and a stirrer holder 34 for positioning the stirrer 32. The stirrer holder 34 is releasably engageable with the retaining means 20 such that it positions the retaining means 20 when in use. Figure 1 shows the stirrer assembly 10 in a disassembled state and Figure 2 shows the stirrer assembly 10 in an assembled state. In this embodiment, the stirrer 32 which is carried by the stirrer holder 34, is positioned below the retaining means 20, although the stirrer 32 and the stirrer holder 34 may also be arranged within the retaining means 20, which will be described in a later embodiment.

　　　Preferably, the retaining means 20 comprises a raised portion 24 protruding from a lower portion such as a bottom wall 26 of the retaining means 20. The raised portion 24 defines a cavity 25 beneath the retaining means 20 such that the cavity 25 is adapted to at least partially accommodate the stirring device 30. At least one wall of the raised portion 24 comprises at least one liquid passageway 29, for example, as shown in this embodiment, the upper wall 28 of the raised portion 24 is provided with a plurality of holes 29A and the side wall of the raised portion 24 is provided with a plurality of slits 29B. The raised portion 24 is also provided with a central hole 36 for receiving a shaft 38 of the stirrer holder 34 which positions the retaining means 20 relative to the stirrer holder 34.

　　　More preferably, the retaining means 20 comprises at least one retention means 40 adapted to releasably retain and position the stirrer holder 34. In the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the retaining means 20 is provided with three retention means 40 radially arranged at the bottom wall 26 of the retaining means 20. The retention means are adapted to releasably receive three corresponding legs 33 of the stirrer holder 34 in a snap-fitting manner.

　　　The retaining means 20 comprises at least one side wall 45 defining an internal space 46 within the retaining means 20. Specifically, it is preferred for the retaining means 20 to include two or more side walls to define a non-cylindrical internal space 46 such that, when a liquid flow is generated by the stirring action of the stirrer 32, the liquid flow above a carrying surface and/or within the retaining means 20 will be deflected by at least one of these side walls 45. In the embodiment as shown in Figures 1-3, the retaining means 20 is of a shape substantially resembling a triangular prism with rounded corners. In use, the liquid processible by the apparatus 100 is adapted to pass through the apertures 22 and/or the liquid passageways 29 of the retaining means 20. The circular liquid flow as driven by the rotating stirrer 32 will be deflected by the side walls 45 of the triangular prism as each of these side walls 45 will be arranged at an angle to the direction of the liquid flow. The multiple deflections assist in creating a turbulent flow of the liquid within and at least above the carrying surface of the retaining means 20, which significantly enhances the degree of interaction between the liquid and the accommodated additive resting on the carrying surface of the retaining means 20. The enhanced interaction between the liquid and the additive increases the rate and the extent of dissolution of the additive into the liquid. The improved dissolution of the additive thus reduces and/or prevents any possible clogging of the additive at any parts of the stirrer assembly 10 and the apparatus 100.

　　　Preferably, the raised portion 24 comprises at least one baffle member 50 extending from a wall of the raised portion 24 towards the internal space 46 of the retaining means 20. The at least one baffle member 50 is adapted to direct the liquid flow and/or assist in forming the turbulent flow within the retaining means 20. For example, in the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the raised portion 24 comprises a plurality of baffle members 50 arranged in a swirl arrangement around the raised portion 24. In one embodiment, the baffle members 50 and the slits 29B may be arranged to be interleaved around the side wall of the raised portion 24. The swirl arrangement of the baffle members 50 assists in enhancing the liquid flow and thus, improves the dissolution of the additive.

　　　Figures 4 further shows the arrangement of the stirrer assembly 10 within a liquid stirring apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 comprises a container 102 for receiving a liquid to be stirred, with the stirrer assembly 10 being received within the container 102. A non-contact driving mechanism such as a magnetic driving mechanism 105 is arranged externally of the container 102 for driving the stirrer 32 of the stirrer assembly 10. The stirrer 32 is positioned by the stirrer holder 34, and the stirrer holder 34 is arranged such that it positions the retaining means 20 within the container 102.

　　　In this embodiment, the stirring device 30 is positioned below the retaining means 20 at the cavity 25 defined by the raised portion 24 and the bottom wall of the container 102. The cavity 25 is adapted to at least partially accommodate the stirring device 30. A liquid contained by the container 102 is adapted to enter the retaining means 20 via one or more apertures 22 of the retaining means 20 and/or one or more liquid passageways 29 provided at the raised portion 24.

　　　The stirrer holder 34 of this embodiment is positioned at the bottom wall of the container 102 as a separate part. Specifically, the stirrer holder 34 positions the stirrer 32 adjacent the bottom wall of the container 102 with the magnetic driving mechanism 105 positioned below the bottom wall of the container 102. It is preferred that the bottom wall is substantially flat over the whole surface so that the stirrer holder 34 can be stably sitting on the bottom wall. The stirrer holder 34 comprises a support surface 35 for supporting the stirrer 32 and for positioning the stirrer holder 34 on the bottom wall of the container 102. In use, the support surface 35 is positioned between the stirrer 32 and the bottom wall of the container 102, with one or more anti-slip means 37 arranged at the bottom side of the support surface 35 for engaging with the bottom wall of the container 102 so as to reduce movement between the stirrer holder 34 and the bottom wall of the container 102 when the stirrer 32 is driven by the driving mechanism 105.

　　　More specifically, the stirrer holder 34 may further comprise one or more leg members 33 spaced and extended outwardly therefrom which engage a wall of the container 102 to position the stirrer 32 within the container 102. In this embodiment, the three leg members 33 are adapted to be releasably received into the corresponding retention means 40 of the retaining means 20 via snap-fitting connections to thereby retain and position the retaining means 20 within the container 102.

　　　The apparatus 100 may also comprise: a lid 101 for covering a top opening of the container 102, with the junction of the lid 101 and the top opening being substantially sealed by a sealing member 103; a housing 106 which accommodates the container 102, the magnetic driving mechanism 105, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 108, a temperature sensor 110 and a heating element 112 controllable by a control device 120.

　　　The magnetic driving mechanism 105 may comprise a motor 130 for driving rotation of a driving member 132. The driving member 132 is provided with at least one magnetic member 136 which is magnetically attracted to a corresponding magnetic member 31 arranged at the stirrer 32. The stirrer 32 may further comprise a second magnetic member 39 adapted to magnetically attract a corresponding magnetic member 41 provided at the stirrer holder 34 for positioning the stirrer 32 within the stirrer holder 34. In the context of this description, the term “magnetic member” generally refers to any one or more of a magnet, a metallic material attractable to a magnet, an electromagnet and a magnetisable material, as long as the magnetic member is adapted to be attracted towards another corresponding magnetic member via magnetic interaction.

　　　The apparatus 100 may further comprise: a base 140 for supporting the housing 106 and also electrically connecting with the components of the housing 106; and a key 104 provided at the exterior of the housing 106 for actuating the apparatus 100, as shown in Figure 5.

　　　Referring to Figures 6 and 7, shown is a second embodiment of the stirrer assembly 210 according to the present invention. Structures of the stirrer assembly 210 are generally similar to those of the stirrer assembly 10 of the previous, first embodiment, except that the raised portion 224 is now releasably detachable from the retaining means 220 in this embodiment. Specifically, the raised portion 224 comprises one or more ridges 260 and recesses 262 at its peripheral edge for releasably engaging corresponding holding members 264 arranged at the bottom wall 226 of the lower portion of the retaining means 220. The releasability of the raised portion 224 is beneficial in that it allows the raised portion 224 to be detached from the retaining means 220 during cleaning, so that any residues of the additive and the liquid can be easily reached and removed from, for example, the liquid passage ways 229 and/or junctions between the raised portion 224 and the bottom wall 226, etc.

　　　Referring to Figures 8 and 9, shown is a third embodiment of the stirrer assembly 310 and corresponding liquid stirring apparatus 3100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the shaft 338 of the stirrer holder 334 comprises a locating means 370 adapted to releasably attach to the lid 301 via a connecting member 372 arranged at the underside of the lid 301. The shaft 338 extends downwardly from the lid 301 to position the stirrer 332 adjacent the bottom surface of the container 302. In use, the shaft 338 of the stirrer holder 334 is received via the central hole 336 of the retaining means 320 to thereby support the retaining means 320. The legs 333 of the stirrer holder 334 are releasably connected to the bottom of retaining means 320 via the retention means 340. As shown in Figure 9, the stirrer holder 334 is lifted up from and therefore does not touch the bottom surface of the container 302, which facilitates liquid flow in all directions around the stirrer 332.

　　　Referring to Figures 10 to 12, shown is a fourth embodiment of the stirrer assembly 410 and corresponding liquid stirring apparatus 4100 according to the present invention. Similar to the previous embodiments, the shaft 438 of the stirrer holder 434 carrying the stirrer 432 is again received via the central hole 436 of the retaining means 420 to thereby support the retaining means 420. However, in this embodiment, it is now the arm members 480, instead of the leg members 433 of the stirrer holder 434 which are releasably connected with the retention means 440 at the bottom of the retaining means 420. In use, the stirrer assembly 410 is adapted to steadily rest on the bottom surface of the container 402, with one or more anti-slip means 437 arranged at the bottom side of the support surface 435 of the stirrer holder 434 for engaging with the bottom wall of the container 102.

　　　Referring to Figures 13 to 14, shown is a fifth embodiment of the stirrer assembly 610 and corresponding liquid stirring apparatus 6100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the retaining means 620 comprises a raised portion 624 which defines a cavity 625 beneath the retaining means 620 such that the cavity 625 is adapted to at least partially accommodate the stirring device 630 including the stirrer 632. The side wall of the retaining means 620 is further provided with a plurality of liquid passage ways 629 in the form of a series of parallel aligned slits. In this embodiment, the shaft 638 of the stirrer holder 634 is again received via the central hole 636 of the retaining means 620 to thereby support the retaining means 620. Specifically, the shaft 638 is provided with a magnetic member 692 adapted to magnetically attach to a corresponding magnetic member 690 arranged at a wall of the hole 636 of the retaining means 620 to thereby fix the position of the retaining means 620 relative to the stirrer holder 634. In use, the stirrer assembly 610 is adapted to steadily rest on the bottom surface of the container 602, with one or more anti-slip means 637 arranged at the bottom side of the support surface 635 of the stirrer holder 634. With these arrangements, the stirrer holder 634 retains and positions the retaining means 620 within the container 602.

　　　Referring to Figures 15 to 16, shown is a sixth embodiment of the stirrer assembly 710 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the retaining means 720 is configured in dome shape having a raised portion 724 which defines a cavity 725 beneath the retaining means 720 such that the cavity 725 is adapted to at least partially accommodate the stirring device 730. The side wall of the retaining means 720 is further provided with a plurality of liquid passage ways 729 in the form of a series of parallel aligned slits. The dome shaped raised portion 724 of the retaining means 720 allows release of the dissolved parts of the additive into the liquid, but at the same time, prevents any undissolved or less soluble parts of the additive in larger size, for example, big granules or clumps from directly contacting the bottom surface of the container by retaining them on the retaining means 720. This facilitates in preventing any additive from clogging or sticking at the bottom of the container and/or with the stirrer.

　　　In this embodiment, the shaft 738 of the stirrer holder 734 is again received via the central hole 736 of the retaining means 720 to thereby support the retaining means 720. In use, the stirrer assembly 710 is adapted to steadily rest on the bottom surface of the container, with one or more anti-slip means 737 arranged at the bottom side of the support surface 735 of the stirrer holder 734. With these arrangements, the stirrer holder 734 retains and positions the retaining means 720 within the container.

　　　In the embodiments of the invention, the retaining means can be manually removed from the container for cleaning, replacement, etc.

　　　The present description illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope.

　　　Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

　　　While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

　　　In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

　　　It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.　　　

Claims

A liquid stirring apparatus, comprising:

　　　a container for receiving a liquid to be stirred;

　　　a stirrer received within the container;

a non-contact driving mechanism arranged externally of the container for driving the stirrer;

a retaining means arranged within the container for carrying an additive, the retaining means comprising at least one aperture to allow at least part of the additive to be released into the liquid, but prevent the additive from directly contacting a bottom wall of the container ;

a stirrer holder for positioning the stirrer within the container, the stirrer holder is arranged such that it positions the retaining means within the container;

wherein the retaining means comprises one or more side walls, at least one of the one or more side walls is arranged such that liquid flow above a carrying surface of the retaining means is adapted to be deflected by the at least one of the side walls.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stirrer is positioned below the retaining means.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means is manually releasable from the container.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises a raised portion protruding from a lower portion of the retaining means, the raised portion defines a cavity between the retaining means and the bottom wall of the container.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cavity is adapted to at least partially accommodate the stirrer holder.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the raised portion is detachable from the retaining means.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one wall of the raised portion comprises at least one liquid passage way.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means is releasably engageable with the stirrer holder.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one retention means adapted to releasably retain and position the stirrer holder.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means is configured in a shape of a triangular prism such that the liquid flow within the receptacle is adapted to be deflected by three side walls of the receptacle.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the raised portion comprises at least one baffle member extending from a wall of the raised portion towards an interior of the retaining means, the at least one baffle member is adapted to deflect liquid flow within the retaining means.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the raised portion comprises a plurality of baffle members arranged in a swirl arrangement around the raised portion.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact driving mechanism and the stirrer are configured in such a way that the stirrer is driven by the driving mechanism through a magnetic drive effect.
The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stirrer holder is attachable to a lid of the container and extends downwardly therefrom.
A stirrer assembly for use in a liquid stirring apparatus, comprising:

a retaining means for carrying an additive to the liquid, the retaining means comprising at least one aperture to allow at least part of the additive to be released out of the retaining means; and

a stirrer and a stirrer holder for positioning the stirrer; the stirrer holder is releasably engageable with the retaining means such that it positions the retaining means when in use;

wherein the retaining means comprises one or more side walls, at least one of the one or more side walls is arranged such that liquid flow above a carrying surface of the retaining means is adapted to be deflected by the at least one of the side walls.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the stirrer is positioned below the retaining means.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retaining means is manually releasable from the container.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retaining means comprises a raised portion protruding from a lower portion of the retaining means, the raised portion defines a cavity beneath the retaining means such that the cavity is adapted to at least partially accommodate the stirrer holder.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 18, wherein the raised portion is detachable from the retaining means.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 18, wherein at least one wall of the raised portion comprises at least one liquid passage way.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one retention means adapted to releasably retain and position the stirrer holder.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 21, wherein the at least one retention means comprises at least one snap-fitting mechanism.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retaining means is configured in a shape of a triangular prism such that the liquid flow within the retaining means is adapted to be deflected by three side walls of the retaining means.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 18, wherein the raised portion comprises at least one baffle member extending from a wall of the raised portion towards an interior of the retaining means, the at least one baffle member is adapted to deflect liquid flow within the retaining means.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 24, wherein the raised portion comprises a plurality of baffle members arranged in a swirl arrangement around the raised portion.
The stirrer assembly according to claim 15, wherein the stirrer holder comprises a support surface for supporting the stirrer, the support surface comprises an anti-slip means for reducing movement between the stirrer holder and a surface supporting the stirrer holder.