Compact device for producing foam for wellness and / or hygiene applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating foam for wellness and / or hygiene applications, comprising a vessel for filling with a mixture of water and a foam-forming component, wherein the vessel has a device for blowing air into the mixture for foam generation. According to the invention, the device has at least two vessels (18) arranged vertically one above the other in a tiered configuration for filling with the mixture, wherein the vessels have the device for blowing air (22, 23) into the mixture for foam generation, and wherein the vessels are open towards an outlet area such that the foam generated in the vessels is concentrated in the outlet area.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for producing foam for wellness and / or hygiene applications according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Such a device has at least two tiers arranged vertically one above the other, wherein the tiers have foam generating surfaces with openings and a device for blowing in air and are designed such that a mixture of water and a foam-forming component can be distributed over the foam generating surfaces and air can be blown into the mixture through the openings of the foam generating surfaces by means of the device for blowing in air in order to generate foam, wherein the tiers are open towards an outlet region such that the foam generated in the tiers is brought together in the outlet region.

[0003] A device according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is known, for example, from EP 4 115 971 A1. The tiers contain vessels whose horizontal bases are designed as foam-generating surfaces. While the previously known device allows a relatively large amount of foam to be generated in a relatively small space, further improvement is required to achieve a device that is as compact as possible and can generate as much foam as possible for wellness and / or hygiene applications.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide such a device.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1.

[0006] Accordingly, the object is achieved according to the invention if the foam generation surfaces are inclined towards the outlet area relative to a horizontal plane.

[0007] This allows the critical floor space to be reduced while maintaining the same area of ​​the foam generation surfaces. The applicants have recognized that the inclined foam generation surfaces improve and simplify the distribution of the mixture while simultaneously achieving a higher foam volume per unit area of ​​the foam generation surface. Accordingly, a consistent or even higher foam volume can be generated on a smaller overall floor space and with a smaller overall device volume.

[0008] For the purposes of the present invention, "air" refers to both breathing air and any other gas mixture that can be used to generate foam. However, breathing air or ambient air is preferably used.

[0009] The mixture distributed over the foam generation surfaces preferably contains between 0.2 and 3% foam-forming component. For normal operation, this proportion is preferably 1%, although the proportion may vary depending on the foam generation rate.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the foam-generating surfaces have an angle between themselves and the horizontal plane of between 3° and 45°. This range results in a particularly compact device while simultaneously improving foam production. The angle is preferably between 5° and 20°, particularly preferably 10°. This further enhances the effect achieved by the inclination of the foam-generating surfaces.

[0012] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the device has four levels. By having four levels arranged one above the other, sufficient foam can be generated for wellness and / or hygiene applications, while still maintaining an acceptable and advantageous installation space.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, each foam-generating surface has an area between 50 and 1500 cm², preferably between 300 and 900 cm². Such a total area of ​​the foam-generating surfaces allows foam to be generated at an advantageous rate without the device becoming too bulky.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a housing with a foam outlet opening following the outlet area. This allows the generated foam to be selectively discharged from the device for wellness and / or hygiene applications. Preferably, various apertures can be inserted into the housing as viewing outlet openings. This allows the discharge method to be adapted. Likewise, the housing preferably has a volume of between 6,000 and 70,000 cm³, particularly preferably between 30,000 and 50,000 cm³. Such a volume allows for an advantageous compromise between foam generation rate and the bulkiness of the device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the tiers each have at least one liquid inlet, preferably at least two liquid inlets, particularly preferably three liquid inlets, which are arranged above an upper end of the foam generation surface and are configured such that the mixture flows from the liquid inlet over the foam generation surface. This allows the mixture to be distributed over the foam generation surface in a relatively simple structural manner. At the same time, the inclination of the foam generation surface can be used for distribution, resulting in a thin layer of the mixture over the foam generation surface, which is advantageous for foam generation. Preferably, the device is configured such that an introduced mixture flow rate through the liquid inlets is adjustable. This allows the thickness of the layer on the foam generation surfaces to be adjusted and foam generation to be maximized.

[0016] Advantageously, a reservoir is arranged along the upper end of the foam generation surface, is separated from the foam generation surface by a weir and is configured such that the at least one liquid inlet fills the reservoir and, when the reservoir is full, the mixture flows via the weir onto the foam generation surface. By using the reservoir in conjunction with the at least one liquid inlet, the mixture can be distributed evenly over the entire length of the weir or reservoir on the foam generation surface in a structurally simple manner. Preferably, the reservoir and the weir are arranged along the entire upper end of the foam generation surface. This means that the mixture reaches the foam generation surface via the weir along the entire upper end of the foam generation surface. Accordingly, the entire area of ​​the foam generation surface can also be utilized.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid inlets of the tiers are connected to a common water reservoir and foam-forming component reservoir, each of which has at least one pump configured to pump water from the water reservoir and foam-forming component from the component reservoir to the liquid inlets. This allows the ratio of foam-forming component to water in the mixture to be precisely adjusted, resulting in an increased foam generation rate. In addition, a special pump adapted to the properties of the foam-forming component can be used.

[0018] Preferably, the mixing flow rate through the liquid inlets is adjustable by controlling the pumps.

[0019] Further preferably, the water reservoir has a volume of 2.5 to 4.5 l, particularly preferably a volume of 3 to 4 l, and the foam-forming component reservoir has a volume of 0.2 to 1 l, particularly preferably a volume of 0.4 to 0.6 l. This ensures sufficient foam generation while still maintaining a compact design.

[0020] Preferably, the water reservoir is designed as a drawer within the housing. This allows the water reservoir to be easily removed and refilled.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a drainage channel is arranged along a lower end of the foam-generating surface, which is configured such that the mixture flowing over the foam-generating surface and from which no foam has been generated is collected and carried away by the drainage channel. The drainage channel preferably has a gradient so that the mixture can flow away. As a result, excess mixture does not fall into the foam generated by lower tiers and does not moisten or destroy it.

[0022] Preferably, the drainage channel has two slopes that slope downwards from a central, elevated position in the drainage channel to the edges of the drainage channel. This allows the excess mixture to be efficiently drained through the drainage channel.

[0023] Further preferably, the drainage channel and the water reservoir are configured such that the mixture collected by the drainage channel is fed into the water reservoir. This allows the mixture to be recycled. For this design, it is crucial that at least one pump of the water reservoir is also suitable for the mixture.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the levels below the foam-generating surface have a wedge-shaped cavity, which is part of the device for blowing air in and to which at least one fan is connected in such a way that the at least one fan pumps air into the wedge-shaped cavity, which then exits through the openings of the foam-generating surface. This allows the openings of the foam-generating surface to be efficiently supplied with air. At the same time, the structure of the device remains compact, eliminating the need for complex air supply to each individual opening.

[0025] Preferably, the blowing device is configured such that a volume flow through the entire opening of the foam-generating surfaces of the tiers can be adjusted between 10 and 500 l / min, preferably between 200 and 400 l / min. This volume flow results in particularly efficient foam generation.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the wedge-shaped cavities of the at least two levels are connected to a common air supply system comprising at least one fan, preferably two fans. This allows for component savings. At the same time, it enables a more compact design of the device.

[0027] Preferably, the housing has air inlets through which the at least one fan located in the housing draws air into the common air supply. This allows the fan to be supplied with fresh air. At the same time, the fan is protected from external influences, making operation of the device safer.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the device comprises two radial fans, preferably arranged to the left and right of the tiers, whose outlets are aligned horizontally and in opposite directions and are connected to the wedge-shaped cavities. The high efficiency of the radial fans allows the device to be efficiently supplied with air. Furthermore, the arrangement of the radial fans next to the tiers allows the device to be kept compact.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the openings of the foam generation surface have a cross-sectional area between 0.002 and 0.2 cm², preferably between 0.006 and 0.15 cm², and are preferably circular. This cross-sectional area and shape have proven advantageous for the foam generation rate. Furthermore, it has been shown that this results in only a minimal backflow of mixture into the wedge-shaped cavities.

[0030] Preferably, one of the openings in the foam generating area is present per 0.25 to 2 cm2 of the foam generating area, with the openings being evenly distributed across the foam generating area. This ensures an improved foam generation rate.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the foam-generating surface has a U-shaped element around each of the openings of the foam-generating surface, which element is open toward the upper end of the foam-generating surface and forms a recess around the opening. Preferably, upwardly directed legs of the U-shaped element continuously decrease in height relative to the foam-generating surface and merge into the foam-generating surface. This also leads to an improvement in the foam generation rate.

[0032] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the device comprises a rechargeable battery that supplies the device with power in such a way that the device can be used mobile. This allows the compact device to be used independently of a power connection and to be taken into humid environments, such as showers and steam baths.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device has a control system configured such that, upon starting the device, the devices for blowing air are started first before the mixture is pumped over the foam-generating surfaces through the liquid inlets. This effectively prevents the mixture from flowing back into the wedge-shaped cavities. Preferably, the amount of air and mixture introduced can be adjusted via the control system. This allows the foam generation rate to be actively controlled and adapted to the wellness and / or hygiene applications.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for generating foam for wellness and / or hygiene applications from a mixture of water and a foam-forming component using a device according to one of the embodiments described above. This method allows a high foam generation rate to be achieved with a very compact device, which is extremely advantageous for many wellness and / or hygiene applications, even in confined spaces.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the foam-forming component is a coconut soap. This allows for a high foam generation rate, is suitable for many wellness and / or hygiene applications, and also has positive effects for the user.

[0036] According to another preferred embodiment of the method, ice cubes are located in the water reservoir of the corresponding device in addition to water. This allows for the generation of cool foam, which enables additional wellness and / or hygiene applications.

[0037] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0038] They show: Figure 1A, B schematic oblique views from different angles of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 2A a schematic oblique view of a first part of the housing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 2B a schematic oblique view of a water reservoir in the form of a drawer of the housing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 2C a schematic oblique view of a panel of the housing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 2D a schematic oblique view of a frame of the housing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 3 a schematic oblique view of the components water reservoir, component reservoir, two radial fans, four foam generation surfaces, a panel,a battery and rotary knobs of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention without the remaining components of the device, Figure 4 a schematic oblique view of the components, four foam generating surfaces and internal framework of the first part of the housing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention without the remaining components of the device, Figure 5 detailed view of a foam generating surface of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 6 horizontal sectional view through the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 7 horizontal sectional view through the first part of the housing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, and Figures 8A, B schematic oblique views from different angles of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention without the housing, water reservoir, component reservoir and connection of the reservoirs.

[0039] In the following explanations, identical parts are designated by identical reference numerals. Where a figure contains reference numerals that are not further explained in the corresponding figure description, reference is made to preceding or subsequent figure descriptions.

[0040] Figure 1A and B show schematic oblique views from different angles of a first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 has a housing having a first part 2 with a foam outlet opening 9 in a panel 3, a frame 4, and a water reservoir 5 in the form of a drawer that can be inserted into the frame 4 below the first part 2 of the housing. The frame 4 encloses the first part 2 of the housing and the water reservoir 5. Openings for two rotary knobs 6, for a battery 7, and an inlet for a component reservoir 8 are provided in the frame 4.

[0041] Figure 2A shows the first part 2 of the case with air inlets at the rear and an opening for the component reservoir 8. Figure 2B shows a detailed view of the water reservoir 5 in the form of a drawer, which can be made of transparent plastic and which fits with a bottom side of the first part 2 of the housing. Figure 2C shows the cover 3, which has the foam outlet opening 9 and which can be attached to the first part 2 of the housing. Figure 2D shows the frame 4, which extends around the first part 2 of the housing and the water reservoir 5.

[0042] Figure 3shows internal components, such as the four foam generating surfaces 10, the component reservoir 8, two radial fans 11, two water pumps 12, a component pump 13 and the battery 7, as well as externally visible components, such as the water reservoir 5, the panel 3 and the rotary knobs 6, of the first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. Figure 3The components shown are arranged relative to one another as in the device 1 according to the invention according to the first exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the four foam-generating surfaces 10 are arranged one above the other and inclined toward the foam outlet opening 9. The component reservoir 8, the accumulator 7, the two radial fans 11, the water pumps 12, and the component pump 13 are arranged above the water reservoir 5 on both sides next to the foam-generating surfaces 10, so that the internal components can be compactly accommodated in the first part 2 of the housing, and the component reservoir 8 and the accumulator 7 are accessible through the respective opening or inlet in the frame 4.

[0043] Figure 4shows an inner frame 15, which is arranged in the first part 2 of the housing and to which the internal components are attached, and the four foam generating surfaces 10. The frame 15 forms a space around the foam generating surfaces 10, in which foam is generated and which is separated from the remaining internal components. The foam generating surfaces 10 have drainage channels 14 along their entire lower end. Furthermore, the foam generating surfaces 10 have openings 16, which are evenly distributed over the foam generating surfaces 10 and are surrounded by U-shaped elements 17, which are open towards the upper end of the foam generating surface 10 and form a depression around the openings 16, wherein upwardly directed legs of the U-shaped elements 17 steadily decrease in height compared to the foam generating surface 10 and merge into the foam generating surface 10. This is particularly evident in the detailed view of a foam generating surface 10 in Figure 5 visible.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a horizontal sectional view through the first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In the view, a foam generation surface 10 can be seen, at the lower end of which a drainage channel 14 is arranged. The outlet area and then the foam outlet opening 9 are connected to the drainage channel 14. Furthermore, the two radial fans 11 can be seen, which are each arranged on one side next to the foam generation surface 10 and are aligned such that they suck air through the air inlets on the rear of the first part 2 of the housing and blow it into a cavity behind the foam generation surfaces 10. Also next to the foam generation surface 10, on one side in front of the radial fan 11, the component reservoir 8 is arranged, and on the other side below the radial fan 11, the battery 7.

[0045] Figure 7shows a vertical sectional view through the first part 2 of the housing, with the section axis A in Figure 6is drawn in. The sectional view shows the four levels 18 with their respective foam generation surfaces 10. Each level 18 has a liquid inlet 19 which is arranged above an upper end of the respective foam generation surface 10 and is configured such that the mixture flows from the liquid inlet 10 over the foam generation surface. Each level 18 has a reservoir 20 along the upper end of the foam generation surface 10, which is separated from the foam generation surface 10 by a weir 21 and is configured such that the liquid inlet 19 fills the reservoir 20 and, when the reservoir 20 is full, the mixture flows over the weir 21 onto the foam generation surface 10. The liquid inlets 19 of the levels 18 are connected to the water pumps 12 and the component pump 13 via a hose system 24.Accordingly, the water pumps 12 can supply water from the water reservoir 6, and the component pump 13 can supply foam-forming components from the component reservoir 8 via the hose system 24 and the respective liquid inlet 19 of the respective level 18. The thus supplied mixture of water and foam-forming components then flows via the weir 21 over the foam-generating surfaces 10 of the respective level 18.

[0046] The respective levels 18 have wedge-shaped cavities 22 beneath the foam-generating surfaces 10, which ultimately form a common cavity connected to a respective fan opening 23 of the two radial fans 11. When the radial fans 11 pump air into the common cavity and thus into the wedge-shaped cavities 22, this air exits through the openings 16 in the foam-generating surfaces 10 and forms foam bubbles in the mixture of water and foam-forming component flowing over the foam-generating surfaces 10. These foam bubbles then move toward the exit area and ultimately exit the device 1 through the foam exit opening 9. The foam thus generated can then be used for wellness and / or hygiene applications.Since not all of the mixture of water and foam-forming component flowing over the foam-generating surfaces 10 is converted into foam, this mixture is collected at the lower end of the foam-generating surfaces 10 in the drainage channels 14 and from there directed into the water reservoir 5. How the mixture is conveyed from the ends of the drainage channels 14 into the water reservoir 5 is not shown in the figures. A collecting basin is arranged between the drainage channel 14 of the foam-generating surface 10 of the lowest level 18 and the foam outlet opening 9, in which additional mixture settling from the generated foam is collected and then directed into the water reservoir.

[0047] The amount and constitution of foam produced can be adjusted using the rotary knobs 6, which can be used to regulate the air supply of the radial fans 11 and the mixture supply by the water pumps 12 and component pump 13.

[0048] Figures 8A and 8B show schematic oblique views from different angles of a second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention without housing, water reservoir, component reservoir and connection of the reservoirs. In contrast to the first embodiment, the radial fans 11 are rotated by 90° and the fan openings 23 each point downwards. In order to connect the wedge-shaped cavities 22 of the levels 18 with the radial fans 11, the second embodiment of the device 12 according to the invention has air ducts 25 which are connected to the fan openings 22 and which connect them with the wedge-shaped cavities 22 of the levels 18. A further difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the foam generation surfaces 10 do not have U-shaped elements 17, but only openings 16 which are in the Figure 8Aare not shown. Furthermore, the device 1 according to the second embodiment has three liquid inlets 19 per level 18. Reference symbol

[0049] 1Device 2First part 3Panel 4Frame 5Water reservoir 6Turn buttons 7Battery 8Component reservoir 9Foam outlet opening 10Foam generation area 11Radial fans 12Water pump 13Component pump 14Drain channel 15Frame 16Openings 17U-shaped element 18Level 19Liquid inlet 20Reservoir 21Barrier 22Wedge-shaped cavity 23Fan opening 24Hose system 25Air duct

Claims

1. A device for generating foam for wellness and / or hygiene applications, comprising at least two tiers arranged vertically one above the other, wherein the tiers have foam generating surfaces with openings and a device for blowing in air, and are configured such that a mixture of water and a foam-forming component can be distributed over the foam generating surfaces and air can be blown into the mixture through the openings of the foam generating surfaces by means of the device for blowing in air in order to generate foam, wherein the tiers are open towards an outlet area such that the foam generated in the tiers is brought together in the outlet area, characterized in that the foam generation surfaces are inclined towards the outlet area relative to a horizontal plane.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe foam generating surfaces have an angle between themselves and the horizontal plane between 3° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 20°, particularly preferably 10°.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tiers each have at least one liquid inlet, preferably at least two liquid inlets, particularly preferably three liquid inlets, which are arranged above an upper end of the foam generation surface and are arranged such that the mixture flows from the liquid inlet over the foam generation surface.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that a reservoir is arranged along the upper end of the foam generating surface, which reservoir is separated from the foam generating surface by a weir and is arranged such that the at least one liquid inlet fills the reservoir and the mixture flows over the weir onto the foam generating surface when the reservoir is full.

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the liquid inlets of the floors are connected to a common water reservoir and foam-forming component reservoir, each having at least one pump configured to pump water from the water reservoir and foam-forming component from the component reservoir to the liquid inlets.

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a drainage channel is arranged along a lower end of the foam generating surface, which drainage channel is arranged such that the mixture flowing over the foam generating surface and from which no foam has been generated is collected by the drainage channel and carried away, wherein the drainage channel preferably has a gradient so that the mixture can flow away.

7. Device according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in thatthe drainage channel and the water reservoir are arranged in such a way that the mixture collected by the drainage channel is fed into the water reservoir.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the levels below the foam generating surface have a wedge-shaped cavity which is part of the device for blowing in air and to which at least one fan is connected such that the at least one fan pumps air into the wedge-shaped cavity, which then exits through the openings of the foam generating surface.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the wedge-shaped cavities of the at least two floors are connected to a common air supply which has at least one fan, preferably two fans.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the openings of the foam generation surface have a cross-sectional area between 0.002 and 0.2 cm 2, preferably between 0.006 and 0.15 cm 2 , and are preferably circular.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the foam generation surface has a U-shaped element around each of the openings of the foam generation surface, which element is open towards the upper end of the foam generation surface and forms a depression around the opening, wherein preferably upwardly directed legs of the U-shaped element continuously decrease in height relative to the foam generation surface and merge into the foam generation surface.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the device has a battery that supplies the device with power in such a way that the device can be used mobile.

13. A method for producing foam for wellness and / or hygiene applications using a device according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in thatthe foaming component is a coconut soap.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that in addition to water, ice cubes are located in the water reservoir of the device according to claim 5.

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