Device for producing fermented dairy products
By adopting an elevated filter basket and stirring element design in the fermented dairy product production equipment, the problem of clogging of fermented products was solved, and rapid separation of fermented dairy products and whey was achieved, which improved production efficiency and simplified the cleaning process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
In existing fermented dairy product production equipment, fermented products easily clog the filter devices, resulting in difficult, slow, or incomplete filtration of whey. Furthermore, traditional methods require frequent cloth washing, which affects production efficiency.
A device comprising an insulated outer container, an inner container, and a filter basket is designed. The filter basket is fixed in an elevated position by a connecting structure, and a stirring element rotates along the inner surface of the filter basket to prevent the fermented product from clogging. The combination of the connecting structure and the stirring element enables rapid and effective whey filtration.
It achieves efficient and rapid separation of fermented dairy products and whey, avoids compaction of fermented products, simplifies the cleaning process, and improves production efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224084589U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an apparatus for producing fermented dairy products such as yogurt or fermented milk wine.
[0002] This utility model relates to an apparatus for producing fermented dairy products such as yogurt and fermented milk wine. The apparatus includes: an insulated outer container with a top cover; an inner container that can be placed into the insulated outer container; a filter basket that can be placed into the inner container; and a stirring element that can be connected to the filter basket; wherein the filter basket includes a coupling structure that can connect and fix it to a position where the inner container is raised. Background Technology
[0003] Equipment for making fermented dairy products is well known. For example, patent application KR20160102624A1 describes an apparatus for making yogurt, which includes a covered, insulated outer container and a covered inner container, as well as an intermediate container for separating hot water introduced into the insulated outer container from the inner container.
[0004] However, the device described in the patent cannot filter out the whey produced during fermentation from the fermented product.
[0005] Other known devices are similar to those described in the aforementioned patent, which also integrate a filtration device within the inner container to extract the fermented product by separating it from the whey.
[0006] However, in these known devices, the fermentation products often clog the openings of the filtration device, making filtration difficult, slow, or even impossible to completely remove the whey.
[0007] As is well known, the traditional process involves placing a cloth or gauze inside the container as a filter. By wrapping the cloth or gauze around the fermented product, compressing and compacting it, and then draining the whey through the cloth, the fermented product is separated from the whey and discharged. However, this process forces the fermented product to be compressed and compacted, altering its texture, and the cloth needs to be thoroughly washed before each use.
[0008] This invention solves the above-mentioned problems and other problems existing in known technologies and equipment, and provides an apparatus for producing fermented dairy products that can efficiently, quickly, conveniently and simply filter fermented products and separate them from whey, without causing the fermented products to compact. Utility Model Content
[0009] This utility model relates to an apparatus for producing fermented dairy products, particularly an apparatus for making yogurt or fermented milk wine. The apparatus includes: an insulated outer container having a top cover; an inner container that can be placed inside the insulated outer container; and a filter basket that can be placed inside the inner container. The inner container includes a first connecting structure; the filter basket includes a second connecting structure; the second connecting structure is complementary to the first connecting structure and is used to fix the filter basket to the inner container in a raised position, thereby fixing at least one-third of the upper portion of the filter basket above the opening of the inner container; and the apparatus further includes a stirring member configured to be placed in the filter basket, thereby allowing it to rotate along the inner surface of the filter basket.
[0010] According to solutions known in the background art, the device includes:
[0011] Insulated outer container with a top cover;
[0012] Inner containers that can be placed inside an insulated outer container; and
[0013] A filter basket that can be placed inside the inner container.
[0014] Therefore, the filter basket and the inner container are nested within each other, both located within the outer container. When the filter basket is nested within the inner container, it will occupy most of the inner container's cavity, for example, more than 80%, preferably more than 90%.
[0015] When warm milk mixed with lactic acid starter is poured into the inner container, the outer container and its lid will keep the warm mixture warm for a sufficient time to accelerate fermentation and produce lactic acid products, most of which will remain in the filter basket.
[0016] Therefore, as long as the filter basket is fixed in a vertical position within the inner container, the filter basket can easily extract most of the lactic acid fermentation products from the inner container, while the whey flows out from the inside through the filter opening of the filter basket and into the inner container.
[0017] The feature of this device is:
[0018] The inner container has a first coupling structure;
[0019] The filter basket includes a second connection structure complementary to the first connection structure, for securing the filter basket to the inner third of the inner height of the inner container in the raised position; and
[0020] The device also includes an agitator configured to be placed in the filter basket and rotate along the inner surface of the filter basket.
[0021] Therefore, the first and second connecting structures allow them to be interconnected, vertically fixing the agitator to the filter basket, which extends out of the inner container so that its bottom is separated from the bottom of the inner container, leaving a space in the inner container below the filter basket where the whey discharged from the filter basket can accumulate.
[0022] The stirring element rotates inside the filter basket, which moves the lactic acid fermentation product away from the filter opening of the basket, preventing it from clogging and thus facilitating complete filtration of whey.
[0023] The first connecting structure protrudes from the inside of the inner container and is located at one-third of the inner height of the inner container. The second connecting structure protrudes from the outside of the filter basket and is located at one-third of the inner bottom of the filter basket.
[0024] Furthermore, the first and second connecting structures can be arranged with equal angular intervals relative to the central axis of the inner container and the filter basket.
[0025] Conversely, the filter basket is configured to be inserted into at least a first position and a second position within the inner container. In the first position, the first and second connecting structures are misaligned in the insertion direction, disengaging to allow the filter basket to be fully inserted into the inner container. In the second position, the first and second connecting structures are aligned in the insertion direction and coupled together, thereby securing the filter basket in an elevated position and preventing it from being fully inserted into the inner container.
[0026] In this way, by raising the filter basket and rotating it appropriately, the above-mentioned connecting structure can be aligned and coupled, thereby providing a safe raised support for the filter basket relative to the inner container.
[0027] The aforementioned agitator preferably consists of multiple scrapers radially distributed around a central axis concentric with the filter basket to be placed therein and connected to a handle protruding from the top of the filter basket for easy manual rotation of the agitator.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the handle should be offset from the center of the scraper.
[0029] The inner container may have a first handle on its top outer side, and the filter basket may have a second handle on its top outer side, the first and second handles overlapping when the filter basket is placed into the inner container in the first position.
[0030] In addition, the inner container includes a closable top cover that closes the inner container whether the filter basket is in the first position or not.
[0031] The top cover of the insulated outer container can be designed to serve as the top cover of the insulated outer container, whether or not the inner container or filter basket is placed inside.
[0032] This device can produce yogurt without using the agitator, while retaining the other components.
[0033] For the production of yogurt, the above-described connection structure allows the filter basket to be placed in a protruding position, raised relative to the inner container. This facilitates the addition of ingredients and operation while the agitator is rotating. Its special configuration is detailed below and prevents the fermented product from clogging the filter basket when the agitator is rotating.
[0034] This connection structure also allows the fine mesh filter basket to be fixed in an elevated position, resulting in a thicker, smoother Greek yogurt. The stirring element filters out the liquid-rich portion of the yogurt, preventing the filter basket from clogging and allowing it to concentrate and thicken, thus producing a thicker, smoother yogurt.
[0035] Other features relating to the top cover and insulation of this device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0036] The above and other advantages and features will be more fully understood in the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.
[0037] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing all the components of the device, particularly the arrangement of the insulated outer container, inner container and filter basket, as well as the accessories of the stirring element.
[0038] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the insulation components associated with the insulated outer container.
[0039] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a covered filter basket and a similarly covered inner container in the closed position.
[0040] Figure 4 The filter basket connected to the inner container is shown in the raised position, with most of the filter basket located inside the upper part of the inner container, containing the agitator, and only one handle is visible.
[0041] at last, Figure 5 The structure of the top cover associated with the filter basket and inner container is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0042] The accompanying drawings show non-limiting illustrative embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] Reference Figure 1 It can be seen that the device of this utility model comprises the following components:
[0044] Insulated outer container (10) with top cover (11);
[0045] An inner container (20) that can be placed inside an insulated outer container (10); and
[0046] A filter basket (30) that can be placed into the inner container (20);
[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner container (20) includes a first connecting structure (21), and the filter basket (30) includes a second connecting structure (31) complementary to the first connecting structure (21) for securing the filter basket (30) to an elevated position on the inner container (20) (see [reference]). Figure 4 At this position, at least one-third of the filter basket (30) is located above the opening of the inner container (20).
[0048] Should Figure 1 A stirring element (40) is also shown placed inside the filter basket (30), when the stirring element (40) is as Figure 4 When placed in the filter basket (30), it can be rotated along the inner surface of the filter basket (30).
[0049] The agitator (40) includes multiple scrapers (41) radially distributed around a center concentric with the center of the filter basket (30) and connected to a handle (42) protruding to the top of the filter basket (30) to facilitate manual rotation of the agitator (40).
[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the handle (42) is offset from the center of the scraper (41).
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the scraper is made of polypropylene (which resists chemical attack due to its low porosity) and also includes PBT to increase its rigidity and strength.
[0052] In the example embodiment, the filter basket (30) is circular with a filter opening at its lower third.
[0053] The first connecting structure (21) protrudes from the inside of the inner container (20) and is located at the upper third of the inner container (20). The second connecting structure (31) protrudes from the outside of the filter basket (30) and is located at the lower third of the filter basket (30).
[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting structure (21) and the second connecting structure (31) are angularly spaced relative to the central axis of the inner container (20) and the filter basket (30).
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the first connection structure (21) and the second connection structure (31) are disposed directly opposite each other on the inner container (20) and the filter basket (30).
[0056] The filter basket (30) is configured to be inserted into the inner container (20) in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the first connecting structure (21) and the second connecting structure (31) are misaligned in the insertion direction and disengage, thereby allowing the filter basket (30) to be fully inserted into the inner container (20); in the second position, as Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting structure (21) and the second connecting structure (31) are aligned and coupled together in the insertion direction, thereby fixing the filter basket (30) in the raised position.
[0057] Figure 4 The raised position of the filter basket (30) shown is designed to allow the agitator (40) to be placed inside the filter basket and rotated by action on the handle (42), thereby preventing the fermented product from clogging the filter when the scraper rotates during the production of yogurt.
[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner container (20) has a first handle (22) on the top outer side, and the filter basket (30) has a second handle (32) on the top outer side. Figure 3 As shown, when the filter basket (30) is fully placed into the inner container (20) in the first position, the first handle (22) and the second handle (32) will overlap.
[0059] Figure 1 It is also shown that the inner container (20) includes a first top cover (23) that can be attached to its top, which is configured to close the inner container (20) whether the filter basket (30) is placed in the first position or not.
[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the top cover (23) includes two threaded structures (24) at different heights in the insertion direction, both of which are complementary to the top of the inner container (20). The top cover (23) can be connected to the opening of the inner container (20) at two different heights depending on whether there is a filter basket (30) inside the inner container (20).
[0061] from Figure 1 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view, there is a third handle (12) on the top outer side of the insulated outer container (10) (see Figure 1). When the filter basket (30) is placed into the inner container (20) in the first position and the inner container (20) is placed into the insulated outer container (10), the first handle (22), the second handle (32), and the third handle (12) overlap. In this way, a set of overlapping handles (12, 22, 32) form a whole when the entire device is gripped for operation.
[0062] On the other hand, the top cover (11) is configured to close the heat-insulating outer container (10) with or without the inner container (20) inside the heat-insulating outer container (10) and with or without the inner container (20) and the filter basket (30) inside the outer container (10).
[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner walls of the shell, bottom and top cover (11) of the insulated outer container (10) have a layer of insulating foam (13).
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the insulating foam layer (13) is polyethylene foam.
[0065] Figure 3 It is also shown that the heat-insulating outer container (10) includes a retaining ring (14) which is inserted into the top of the heat-insulating outer container (10) to narrow the interior of its top opening and to retain the heat-insulating foam layer (13) of the wall of the heat-insulating outer container (10) by the retaining ring (14).
[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the insulated outer container (10), inner container (20), and filter basket (30) may be made of propylene, and the top cover (11 and 23) may be made of silicone.
[0067] As a thermal insulation material, it is recommended to use polyethylene foam plastic, with a waterproof coating made of polyethylene plasticized aluminum protective layer on the outer container of the thermal insulation foam layer (13).
Claims
1. An apparatus for producing fermented dairy products, the apparatus comprising: Insulated outer container (10), the insulated outer container (10) having a top cover (11); Inner container (20), which can be placed inside the heat-insulating outer container (10); A filter basket (30) that can be placed inside the inner container (20); Its features are: The inner container (20) includes a first connection structure (21); The filter basket (30) includes a second connecting structure (31); the second connecting structure (31) is complementary to the first connecting structure (21) and is used to fix the filter basket (30) to the inner container (20) in a raised position, thereby fixing at least one-third of the upper part of the filter basket (30) above the opening of the inner container (20); The device also includes a stirring element (40) configured to be placed in the filter basket (30) so as to allow it to rotate along the inner surface of the filter basket (30).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting structure (21) protrudes from the inside of the inner container (20) and is located at the upper third of the inner container (20), while the second connecting structure (31) protrudes from the outside of the filter basket (30) and is located at the lower third of the filter basket (30).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first connecting structure (21) and the second connecting structure (31) are arranged with equal angular intervals relative to the central axis of the inner container (20) and the filter basket (30).
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter basket (30) is configured to be inserted into the inner container (20) in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first connecting structure (21) and the second connecting structure (31) are misaligned in the insertion direction and are disengaged to allow the filter basket (30) to be fully inserted into the inner container (20). In the second position, the first connecting structure (21) and the second connecting structure (31) are aligned in the insertion direction and coupled together to fix the filter basket (30) in the raised position.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner container (20) has a first handle (22) on its top outer side, and the filter basket (30) has a second handle (32) on its top outer side. When the filter basket (30) is placed into the inner container (20) in the first position, the first handle (22) and the second handle (32) overlap.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner container (20) includes a first top cover (23) that can be attached to its top, the first top cover (23) being configured to close the inner container (20) when the filter basket (30) is placed in a first position or not placed in a first position.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first top cover (23) includes two threaded structures (24) for height adjustment during placement, the two threaded structures (24) being complementary to the top of the inner container (20); thereby allowing the first top cover (23) to engage with the opening of the inner container (20) at two different heights, the two different heights corresponding to the presence or absence of the filter basket (30).
8. The apparatus according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that: The outer container (10) is provided with a third handle (12) on the top outer side. When the filter basket (30) and the inner container (20) are placed into the heat-insulating outer container (10) in the first position, the first handle (22), the second handle (32) and the third handle (12) will overlap.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top cover (11) is configured to close the heat-insulating outer container (10) whether the inner container (20) and / or the filter basket (30) are placed inside the heat-insulating outer container (10).
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter basket (30) is circular and has a filter opening at its lower third.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that: The stirring element (40) includes a plurality of scrapers (41) which are radially distributed concentrically around the center of the filter basket (30) and connected to a handle (42) protruding from the top of the filter basket (30) to rotate the stirring element (40) by manual drive.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The handle (42) is offset from the center of the scraper (41).
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner walls of the shell, bottom and top cover (11) of the insulated outer container (10) have an insulating foam layer (13).
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that: The heat insulation foam layer (13) is polyethylene foam.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The heat-insulating outer container (10) includes a retaining ring (14) which is fixed to the top of the heat-insulating outer container (10) to narrow the inside of its top opening, and the heat-insulating foam layer (13) of the wall of the heat-insulating outer container (10) is held by the retaining ring (14).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Non-electric yogurt maker
KR1020160102624A