Liquid stirring tool and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of disclosing a stirring tool that is exceptional in terms of properties for mixing a fine powder and a liquid and is also exceptional in terms of strength, durability, and heat resistance.　The stirring tool is, e.g., a tea strainer, and comprises a first stirring part 3, a second stirring part 9, and a sleeve 6. The first stirring part 3 has a cylindrical first base part 4 and a group of outward-spreading outer tines 5 that are continuous with the first base part 4. The second stirring part 9 has a cylindrical second base part 8 and a group of inward-narrowing inner tines 7 that are continuous with the second base part 8. The first base part 4 of the first stirring part 3 is formed into a three-dimensional shape by rounding a band plate, the first base part 4 having a side end 4a separated in the circumferential direction and not being formed in an endless loop. The outer tines 5 bulge outward, and the distal ends thereof are curled. Because the first stirring part 3 has a winding form, the first stirring part 3 can be easily manufactured even using a metal plate.

Description

Liquid agitator and its manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid mixer and a manufacturing method thereof. An example of a liquid mixer is a tea whisk used to prepare matcha green tea, but the liquid mixer of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes other than tea whisks. For example, it can be used for mixing various beverages other than matcha, mixing liquid ingredients, mixing chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and other purposes.

[0002] Chasen (tea whisks) have long been used as tea utensils for preparing matcha. Most chasen are made of bamboo, with the outer and inner spikes integrally formed in a single bamboo tube. However, bamboo chasen have problems due to the material, such as being prone to breakage and corrosion. Furthermore, because they are produced by hand, there are concerns about a stable supply due to the aging of craftsmen. On the other hand, plastic chasen are also available, but they have the problem of poor heat resistance. Therefore, it has been proposed to use metal chasen, an example of which is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the group of outer spikes and the group of inner spikes are each formed at the tip of a ring body, while a small diameter portion is formed at the tip of the handle.The ring body of the inner spike is first fitted into the small diameter portion, and then the ring body of the outer spike is fitted into the ring body of the inner spike.Both ring bodies are fixed to the handle by inserting pins through both ring bodies and the small diameter portion.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-357936

[0005] In Patent Document 1, as described above, the outer and inner ears are formed into ring bodies. Therefore, when the outer and inner ears are made of metal, it is thought that pipe material is used as the material for the outer and inner ears, and that the pipe material is pressed while expanding in diameter to form a group of outer ears that swell like petals and a group of inner ears that condense like buds.

[0006] When making a tea whisk from metal, ease of processing and cost are important, but the technology of Patent Document 1, which is presumed to use pipe material, is not easy to process and is understood to be costly. When making a tea whisk from metal plate, it is preferable to make it from stainless steel plate, which has high spring properties, from the standpoint of rust prevention and strength, but precision processing of thin stainless steel plate with spring properties requires extremely high skill.

[0007] The present invention was made against this background and aims to disclose a technology that is excellent in terms of processability, cost, quality, and the like.

[0008] The present invention has various configurations, typical examples of which are specified in the claims.

[0009] The first invention specified in claim 1 is directed to a liquid agitator having a cylindrical handle and a first agitating part arranged concentrically with the handle, the first agitating part having a cylindrical first base part that is either formed integrally with the handle or formed separately from the handle and connected to the handle, and a group of first rod-shaped bodies that are lined up in the circumferential direction and connected to the first base part and extend in the opposite direction from the handle, the group of first rod-shaped bodies having an outward spreading shape with the distance from the axis center increasing towards the tip, and the first agitating part is configured as follows: "The first agitating part is configured as a bent developed product in which the group of first rod-shaped bodies is connected to the flat first base part in a comb-teeth shape, the first base part is not continuous with a loop but has one side end and the other side end that are separated in the circumferential direction, and the first agitating part is made of a metal plate or a synthetic resin."

[0010] In the first invention, "a state in which the developed product is bent" means that the first stirring part as a product has a three-dimensional shape like a bent developed product, and does not mean that it is made three-dimensional by bending an intermediate product in the developed form (although such a state is also included). In the case of a synthetic resin product in which the first stirring part 3 is made of halves, it can be manufactured in such a state that the first rod-shaped body is integrally formed in an inclined position on the semicircular first base, and the two halves can be stacked to make a cylindrical first stirring part.

[0011] The second invention specified in claim 2 is an expanded example of the first invention, and is configured as follows: "A curled portion is formed at the tip of each of the first rod-shaped bodies, facing the axial center."

[0012] The third invention specified in claim 3 is an example of the first or second invention, and is configured as follows: "A second stirring part for pushing the liquid in a radial direction is disposed concentrically with the first stirring part inside the first stirring part, and the handle is formed integrally with the second stirring part or the first stirring part." The first stirring part can be called the outer member, and the second stirring part can be called the inner member.

[0013] The fourth invention specified in claim 4 is also an example of the first or second invention, and is configured as follows: "The first base of the first stirring part is formed in a cylindrical shape with one side end and the other side end thereof abutting or close to each other, or is formed by overlapping two half-piece members."

[0014] In the fourth invention, the shape of the first stirring section is specified, but for the second stirring section, when an intermediate product in an unfolded state is bent, either a single piece can be bent or two halves can be stacked on top of each other.

[0015] The fifth invention specified in claim 5 is an example of the development of the third invention, and is configured as follows: "The second stirring section has a cylindrical second base part concentric with the first base part of the first stirring section, and a group of second rod-shaped bodies leaning towards the axis and tapering inwards as a whole, and a group of first rod-shaped bodies expanding outwards with the distance from the axis centre increasing towards the tip, are formed at the second base part in a circumferentially spaced relationship."

[0016] In the fifth invention, the first and second stirring sections, each having a base, are formed separately, and first rods are also provided in the second stirring section. However, it is also possible to form a group of second rods that converge inward and function as the second stirring section in the first stirring section. That is, it is possible to form a group of first rods that expand outward and a group of second rods that converge inward, scattered circumferentially in the first stirring section. In particular, when the first stirring section has a two-layer structure as in the seventh invention, the number of first rods can be increased, so it is preferable to form only first rods in the outer layer and first and second rods in the inner layer.

[0017] The sixth invention specified in claim 6 is also an example of the third invention, and is configured as follows: "The first stirring section and the second stirring section are both made of metal plate, or the second stirring section is made of synthetic resin, and the first stirring section is made of metal plate or synthetic resin."

[0018] The seventh invention specified in claim 7 is also an example of the first or second invention, and is configured as follows: "The first stirring section is made of a metal plate and has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer."

[0019] The eighth invention specified in claim 8 is directed to a manufacturing method of the liquid agitator described in claim 3, and is configured as follows: "It comprises a step of manufacturing the second agitating part, and a step of manufacturing an intermediate product for the first agitating part in which a group of first rod-shaped bodies is connected in a comb-teeth shape to the flat first base part, the handle being integrally formed with the second agitating part, and the eighth invention comprises a step of wrapping and fixing the first base part of the intermediate product around the second base part of the second agitating part."

[0020] When the first stirring section and the second stirring section are made of metal plates such as stainless steel plates, the blank plate is punched to produce an intermediate plate in an expanded position, which is then bent and held in a predetermined position. Various methods can be used to punch the blank plate, such as press work, laser cutting, etching, and wire electric discharge machining. Press work is advantageous in terms of efficiency and cost, and is suitable for mass production. Laser cutting has the advantages of excellent precision and no burrs, but tends to be more expensive than press work.

[0021] As a means for bending the first stirring section from its expanded state and holding it in a predetermined position, various fixing means can be used, such as fixing means using fasteners such as rivets, fixing means using welding such as spot welding, or fixing means using a cap.

[0022] The liquid stirrer of the present invention can be suitably used as a tea whisk. However, even if it is shipped as a tea whisk, how it is actually used is up to the user. For example, it can be used to make cafe latte or black tea latte.

[0023] Currently, matcha is often prepared by hand, but it is also sometimes used by attaching it to an electric matcha brewer, such as that disclosed in Utility Model Registration No. 3227570. Because bamboo chasen are made from natural bamboo, their handles do not have uniform thickness, and as a result, they may not be able to be attached to an electric matcha brewer. However, the chasen of the present invention can maintain a constant handle thickness (outer diameter), making it suitable for use with an electric matcha brewer (electric handheld mixer).

[0024] Effect of the First Invention Now, even if you put matcha powder into hot water and stir it in a rotary mixer, once the matcha particles have been broken down to a certain size, they will no longer be broken down any further and the matcha powder will no longer mix with the hot water. This is because the matcha particles simply move with the flow of the hot water, and the impact of the mixer does not affect the matcha particles.

[0025] In contrast, the unique feature of a chasen is that its numerous outer ears move back and forth in the hot water, creating a motion that "cuts the hot water." This motion breaks down the fine powdery matcha particles, making them finer and significantly improving their mixability with the hot water (the outer ears have sharp, angular edges, which are thought to play a major role in breaking down the powdery matcha particles). As a result, the powdery matcha particles dissolve and mix better in the hot water, creating a smoother flavor. When you make matcha using a chasen, you will see foaming, which is a result of the powdery matcha particles being broken down into tiny particles.

[0026] Therefore, the liquid agitator of the present invention, which has the same agitating function as a tea whisk, is suitable as a means of improving the mixing of fine powder and liquid by reciprocating rather than rotating in the liquid. Furthermore, while bamboo tea whisks have problems with breakage and corrosion, making them difficult to expand into other applications, the liquid agitator disclosed in the present invention has the advantages of not being prone to breakage or corrosion, as well as being highly durable and heat-resistant, and is therefore expected to be used in a variety of fields other than just tea whisks.

[0027] The liquid agitator of the present invention can be manufactured easily and with high precision by, for example, using a metal plate as the material and subjecting it to processes such as punching and bending, etc. Therefore, liquid agitators made of metal plates that are suitable for mass production and have excellent functionality and quality can be supplied to the market.

[0028] As mentioned above, synthetic resin chasen are commercially available, but because they are made of polypropylene, they are prone to deformation due to heat. In addition, because they are manufactured using the injection molding method, which is considered to be a so-called "forced extrusion" process, the bristles are easily deformed and are considered to have poor shape stability. In other words, they do not have the strength of bamboo chasen, and their stirring function is also considered to be inferior.

[0029] In this regard, it would be possible to increase the stiffness by using a highly heat-resistant resin such as nylon resin, polycarbonate, or polyimide resin as the material and reducing the radius of curvature of the curl at the tip, but there is a problem in that if the stiffness is too strong, it cannot be manufactured using the same molding method that is used for commercially available products, which involves forcing the tip to break.

[0030] In contrast, in the present invention, an intermediate product molded in an unfolded state is bent to form a three-dimensional object, so the first rod-shaped body can be made of a highly heat-resistant resin and be strong while ensuring ease of demolding when manufactured by injection molding. Therefore, even if it is used to stir hot liquids, such as a tea whisk, it can perform a high stirring function while preventing deformation due to heat.

[0031] Effect of the Second Invention By curling the tip of each first rod-shaped body toward the axis, as in the second invention, the contact area with the liquid can be increased, improving the stirring function. Furthermore, in this invention, the first rod-shaped body can be curled inward more than conventional bamboo or resin chasen, which greatly increases the contact between the liquid and the rod-shaped body, and as a result, the stirring function can be greatly improved.

[0032] Effect of the Third Invention: A chasen has an inner bristle, which pushes the hot water radially to increase contact with the group of outer bristle members (the group of first rod-shaped bodies), but the present invention also improves stirring performance by providing a second stirring section. When the first stirring section and the second stirring section are separate members, it is possible to provide a handle on the first stirring section, but it is preferable to configure the handle so that the second base of the second stirring section is longer than the first base of the first stirring section, as this reduces weight.

[0033] Effect of the Fourth Invention In the fourth invention, if the first stirring section is configured as a single member, the structure can be simplified accordingly. On the other hand, configuring the first stirring section as two halves is beneficial when it is made of metal plate. In other words, if the liquid stirring tool is made of metal plate and configured as two halves, bending can be easily performed using a die and punch set in a press device, resulting in high adaptability to reality. Metal plate must be bent taking springback into consideration, but using a die and punch makes it easy to perform bending taking springback into consideration, so it can be said to be highly adaptable to reality.

[0034] In the fourth invention, if the two half-shaped members constituting the first stirring section are embraced by a sleeve, assembly is easy. On the other hand, if the two half-shaped members are joined by welding, the strength of the shape retention is excellent. The sleeve can also be provided for cosmetic purposes or to facilitate attachment to the electric matcha brewer described above (to prevent it from coming loose). Even if the half-shaped members are joined by welding, the use of the sleeve has the advantage of eliminating the need for painting.

[0035] By providing a flat portion on the half-split member as in the embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4), it is easy to maintain a perfect circle by overlapping the two half-split members, which has the advantage of stabilizing the quality.

[0036] Effect of the Fifth Invention In the fifth invention, the first stirring section and the second stirring section are made as separate members, which simplifies the manufacturing process. Furthermore, in claim 5, the second stirring section also has a first rod-shaped body. By adopting this configuration, the number of first rod-shaped bodies can be increased while simplifying and reducing the weight of the structure. The structure can also be simplified when a tapered second rod-shaped body is formed in the first stirring section.

[0037] ●Effects of the 6th invention The 6th invention specifies the materials for the first stirring part and the second stirring part, but if both the first stirring part and the second stirring part are made of metal plate, it will have excellent heat resistance and strength, making it suitable as a stirrer for use in food processing machines or a stirrer for use with chemicals.

[0038] On the other hand, if both the first and second stirring parts are made of synthetic resin, it is easy to manufacture and is therefore suitable for household items such as tea whisks. The same is true when the second stirring part is made of synthetic resin and the first stirring part is made of metal plate. The second stirring part is hardly affected by heat, so even though it is made of synthetic resin, which is easy to manufacture, it can ensure high durability, while the first stirring part is made of metal plate, so there is no problem with heat resistance and it has very high durability, and therefore it is very versatile.

[0039] Effect of the Seventh Invention When the first stirring section is configured with a multi-layer structure as in the seventh invention, the number of first rod-shaped bodies can be increased without increasing the diameter of the handle, thereby improving the stirring function. In particular, when the first stirring section is a sheet metal product manufactured through a stamping process using a press, the width and pitch of the first rod-shaped bodies require certain dimensions for stamping, so if there is only one first stirring section, the number of first rod-shaped bodies cannot be increased and the stirring function may not be improved beyond a certain level. However, when configured with a two-layer structure as in the seventh invention, the number of first rod-shaped bodies can be dramatically increased without increasing the outer diameter of the first stirring section.

[0040] Therefore, even when used as a tea whisk, it is possible to provide a product that is comparable to conventional bamboo products while keeping costs as low as possible. It is also possible to configure the first stirring section with a multi-layer structure of three or more layers, but for tea whisks and similar uses, a double structure is sufficient. For liquid stirring tools used in food factories, chemical factories, etc., there may be demand for high-performance products with a three-layer structure or more.

[0041] Effect of the Eighth Invention The eighth invention includes cases where the first stirring part is made of metal plate and cases where it is made of synthetic resin. The same applies to the second stirring part. When the first stirring part is made of metal plate, a procedure can be adopted in which a comb-shaped intermediate product is made by punching out a blank plate, the comb-shaped part of the intermediate plate is then pressed and bent to form a curled part and inclined relative to the first base part, and the first base part is then bent into a cylindrical shape and wrapped around and fixed to the second base part of the second stirring part. However, when the first base part is bent into a cylindrical shape, the comb-shaped part automatically expands and deforms in a tapered shape, making it easy to manufacture a stirring tool with a first stirring part made of metal plate.

[0042] If the first stirring part is made of synthetic resin, an intermediate product can be produced with curled portions formed, and the first base part of the intermediate product produced by injection molding can be wound around and fixed to the second base part of the second stirring part to produce an agitator. Therefore, an agitator having a first stirring part made of synthetic resin with high strength (the first rod-shaped body has a strong backbone) can be easily produced.

[0043] 1A-1D are diagrams showing the first embodiment, where (A) is a perspective view of the main body and sleeve separated, (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main body taken along the line B-B, (C) and (D) are diagrams showing modified examples of the tip of the outer ear, and (E) is a perspective view showing one step of the manufacturing process. (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIC-IIC of FIG. 1A, (B) is a cross-sectional view of a modified example, and (C) and (D) are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of the first embodiment. (A) is a rear view of two unit members separated. (A) is a perspective view of the second embodiment, and (B) is a perspective view of the third embodiment. (A) is a schematic plan view, (B) is a separated plan view, (C) is a longitudinal front view, and (D) is a longitudinal front view of a modified example. (A) is a diagram showing the processing process of the fourth embodiment, where (A) is a plan view of the intermediate plate, and (B) is a partially enlarged view. (B) is a diagram showing the bending procedure of the fourth embodiment. 5 shows a fifth embodiment, (A) is a longitudinal front view, (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of (A), (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of (A), and (D) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of (A). 6 shows a separated cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment, (B) is a partial front view of the seventh embodiment, (C) is a plan view taken along line C-C of (B), (D) is a partial front view of the eighth embodiment, and (E) is a plan view taken along line E-E of (D). 9 shows a ninth embodiment, (A) is a side cross-sectional view showing the molded state, (B) is a partial plan view of an intermediate product seen from the line B-B of (A), (C) is a view taken along line C-C of (B), (D) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of (B), and (E) is a diagram showing an example of the planar cross-sectional shape of a first rod-shaped body. (A) is a separated front view of the tenth embodiment, (B) is a bottom view taken along the line B-B of (A), and (C) is a partially separated front view of the eleventh embodiment. These figures show the twelfth embodiment, where (A) is a longitudinal front view, (B) is a separated plan view, and (C) is a longitudinal front view of a modified example. (A) is a longitudinal front view of the thirteenth embodiment, and (B) is a plan view of the fourteenth embodiment, which is a different example of the intermediate plate of the first stirring section. (A) is a longitudinal front view of the fifteenth embodiment, (B) is a developed view of the components of the fifteenth embodiment, (C) is a longitudinal front view of the sixteenth embodiment, and (D) is a partial plan view of the components of the sixteenth embodiment. (A) is a separated perspective view of a reference example, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the product as seen from the line B-B of (A), and (C) is a side view of the first stirring section of the reference example.

[0044] Next, an embodiment (and a reference example) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment (and the reference example) of the present invention is applied to a tea whisk. Therefore, in relation to the claims, the outer ear corresponds to the first rod-shaped body, and the inner ear corresponds to the second rod-shaped body.

[0045] (1) First Embodiment (Figs. 1-3) First, the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3 will be described. The first embodiment is a specific example of the first to fourth inventions. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1(A) and 1(B), the chasen has a first stirring part 3 made of two unit members 1 and 2 separated by an axis. The two members 1 and 2 are made of metal plate such as stainless steel plate (preferably having spring properties), and have a first half-base part 4 and a group of outer ears (rising ears) 5 extending from the tip of the first base part 4.

[0046] The first bases 4 of the two unit members 1, 2 overlap to form a cylindrical shape, and the two first bases 4 are inseparably held by a sleeve 6 made of metal, plastic, or rubber. In this embodiment, the sleeve 6 also serves as a decorative cover. The chasen of this embodiment is composed of a first stirring part 3 made of metal and a sleeve 6 made of resin or the like.

[0047] The group of outer ears 5 as a whole has a diameter that widens at the tip, and a curved portion 5a is formed at the tip that curls toward the axial center. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1(B), the outer ears 5 are preferably curved so that they bulge outward. The curved portion 5a is preferably gently curved as shown in Figure 1(C) or bent into a U-shape as shown in Figure 1(D).

[0048] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 (B), a group of inner ears (downward-facing ears) 7 is arranged inside the area surrounded by the outer ear 5. The group of inner ears 7 is made of metal such as stainless steel, and their base ends are integrally connected to a cylindrical second base 8. In other words, the group of inner ears 7 is integrally formed at the tip of the second base 8, and the second base 8 and the group of inner ears 7 form a second stirring section 9. The first stirring section 3, second stirring section 9, and sleeve 6 then form the chasen. The inner ear 7 is an example of the first rod-shaped body recited in the claims.

[0049] The inner ears 7 are tapered at the tip, forming a head 7a (for removing tea stains and bubbles). The second stirring section 9 can be called the inner member, and the first stirring section 3 can be called the outer member.

[0050] In the embodiment, the inner bristles 7 have bulging heads 7a at their tips, but it is also possible to simply converge the tips of the inner bristles 7. When forming heads 7a, it is also possible to bend the tips of the inner bristles 7 inward or outward.

[0051] The first bases 4 of the two unit members 1, 2 that make up the first stirring section 3 have overlapping flat portions 10. That is, the flat portions 10 are formed by bending one circumferential side edge of each of the first bases 4, and the two flat portions 10 are overlapped with each other. This allows the first bases 4 to be accurately positioned. When the second base 8 of the second stirring section 9 is disposed inside a handle made up of two first bases 4, the flat portion 10 is provided behind the second base 8 of the inner ear 7. It is also possible to configure the second base 8 of the second stirring section 9 as a handle.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the flat portions 10 of the two unit members 1 and 2 are arranged so that their free ends are located on opposite sides. Therefore, the two unit members 1 and 2 have the same shape. The second stirring section 9 can also be configured with two unit members that overlap each other. In this case, a flat portion can be formed on the second base 8, just like the first stirring section 3.

[0053] In the example shown in Fig. 2(C), the two flat portions 10 are simply overlapped. In the example shown in Fig. 2(B), an engagement claw 12 cut and formed on one flat portion 10 is fitted into an engagement hole 11 formed on the other flat portion 10. Therefore, in Fig. 2(B), the two flat portions 10 are positioned by an engagement means. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2(B), the two unit members 1, 2 can be accurately positioned, and the sleeve 6 can be attached without any hassle.

[0054] Even if the engaging holes 11 and engaging claws 12 are not provided, it is possible to provide relief holes 13 for weight reduction, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 2(D). In Fig. 2(B), the relief holes 13 are provided in the flat portion 10, but it is also possible to provide multiple small holes in the arc portion of the first base portion 4. This also applies to the other embodiments. It is also possible to provide multiple small holes in the sleeve 6. In this case, not only can the weight be reduced, but there is also the advantage that the fingers can be prevented from slipping when the product is held by hand.

[0055] The sleeve 6 can be constructed of a pipe with both ends open, or it can be equipped with a bottom plate. If equipped with a bottom plate, the bottom plate can be a circular plate without a through hole, or an inward flange (ring plate) with a through hole. The flat portions 10 of the two first base portions 4 can be fixed by spot welding or riveting. In this case, it is preferable to provide a tool insertion hole 14 in the first base portion 4, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1(A).

[0056] The chasen of this embodiment can be used for making matcha by hand, or attached to an electric matcha brewer. In either case, it is made of metal, ensuring high durability, and can be sterilized by immersing in boiling water without any problems. Therefore, it is both hygienic and highly durable.

[0057] (2) Manufacturing Method of the First Embodiment The manufacturing procedure for the first embodiment of the chasen is shown in Figures 1(E), 2(C), 2(D), and 3. This manufacturing procedure is a specific example of the eighth invention. First, as a preliminary step, a rectangular metal plate is prepared. Next, as shown in Figure 1(E), a number of slits 16 opening toward one end are formed in this plate in the first step, producing an intermediate plate 19 that is an integral part of a comb-tooth-shaped portion 17 in which a group of outer ears 5 are arranged side by side, and a band-shaped portion 18 corresponding to the first base 4 (handle).

[0058] The slits 16 can be formed by punching using a press, or by laser cutting, electric discharge machining, etching, etc. The strip-shaped portion 18 has a protruding portion 18a corresponding to the flat portion 10, and the protruding portion 18a protrudes outside the comb-tooth-shaped portion 17.

[0059] Next, as shown by arrow 20 in Figure 2 (C), in the second step, the tip of the comb-tooth portion 17 is bent to one side to form a bent portion 5a in each outer ear 5. Next, as shown by arrow 21 in Figure 2 (C), in the third step, the comb-tooth portion 17 is bent in the opposite direction to the second step. Next, as shown by arrow 22 in Figure 2 (C), in the fourth step, the protruding portion 18a of the strip portion 18 is bent at a right angle in the opposite direction to the bending direction of the comb-tooth portion 17. Either the third step or the fourth step can be performed first, or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 2(D), in the fifth step, the band-shaped portion 18 is bent in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the comb-tooth portion 17 to form a semicircular shape, thereby forming the first base portion 4. Then, at the same time as the first base portion 4 is formed, the comb-tooth portion 17 expands in a tapered shape, forming a group of outer ears 5. The two unit members 1 and 2 thus formed are stacked as shown in FIG. 3, and then a sleeve 6 is tightly fitted (press-fitted) into the two first base portions 4 from the outside to integrate the two unit members 1 and 2. Alternatively, the two members are joined by welding. The step of bending the band-shaped portion 18 into a semicircular shape and the step of bending the protruding portion 18a may be performed in either order.

[0061] The bending of the comb-tooth portion 17 and the band-shaped portion 18 can be easily performed by pressing using a mold, so chasen with many outer ears 5 spread out like petals can be easily manufactured from a flat plate. This will contribute to the spread of metallic chasen.

[0062] The flat portion 10 is connected to one circumferential end of the first base portion 4, but it is also possible to weld the free end of the flat portion 10 to the other circumferential end of the first base portion 4. It is possible to form a group of inner ears 7 on the flat portion 10, and in this case, as shown in Figure 1 (E), it is possible to form a group of inner ears 7 in the area corresponding to the flat portion 10. In other words, it is possible to integrate the inner ears 7 with the first stirring portion 3.

[0063] (3) Second and Third Embodiments (Fig. 4) Fig. 4(A) shows the second embodiment. In this second embodiment, the group of outer ears 5 is composed of a single member. Therefore, it is included in the third invention. The first stirring section 3 is composed of a first base 4, which is a non-loop cylindrical member made of a single strip plate, and a group of outer ears 5 integrally attached to the upper edge of the first base 4. The longitudinal side edges 4a of the first base 4 butt against each other, and the cylindrical shape is maintained by a sleeve 6. It is also possible to weld the longitudinal side edges 4a of the first base 4.

[0064] If the sleeve 6 is made of metal, it is possible to weld the first base 4 and the sleeve 6 together. It is also possible to place a perfectly circular shape-retaining ring 25 inside the first base 4 and weld the first base 4 and the shape-retaining ring 25 together. It is preferable to make the sleeve 6 out of synthetic resin or rubber in terms of feel and aesthetic appeal, but using the shape-retaining ring 25 is preferable because it allows the first base 4 to maintain its circular shape and allow the sleeve 6 to be attached. The shape-retaining ring 25 can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0065] Although not shown in the figure, the second stirring unit is disposed inside the first stirring unit 3. When the second stirring unit is provided, the second base of the second stirring unit can function as the shape-retaining ring 25. Alternatively, the shape-retaining ring 25 can be disposed inside the second base of the second stirring unit. Furthermore, it is also possible to have the shape-retaining ring 25 function as a handle, and to overlap and fix the second base and the first base 4 to the shape-retaining ring 25 (in this case, the length of the second base and the first base 4 will be shorter).

[0066] When setting the chasen in the electric matcha brewer, the handle of the chasen is clamped by a chuck provided on the electric matcha brewer, but if the sleeve 6 is made of synthetic resin or rubber, there is an advantage in that the chuck can be prevented from slipping. Therefore, it is preferable that the sleeve 6 be made of synthetic resin or rubber even when used in an electric matcha brewer. This also applies to the other embodiments. It is also possible to place two short shape-retaining rings 25 in the front and back.

[0067] FIG. 4B shows a third embodiment. This third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, in which the first stirring section 3 is made from a single plate material, with a flat portion 10 formed on one side end 4a of the first base portion 4 and joined by spot welding. Therefore, the non-loop cylindrical first base portion 4 has a tool insertion hole 14. Even in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a sleeve 6 for cosmetic purposes, improved feel, etc. This third embodiment is included in the third invention.

[0068] (4) Fourth Embodiment (FIGS. 5 to 7) Fig. 5 shows the structure of a fourth embodiment, and Figs. 6 and 7 show its manufacturing procedure. This embodiment is a specific example of the third invention.

[0069] In this fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first stirring section 3 is composed of two unit members 1 and 2, and each of the two unit members 1 and 2 has a first base 4 on which an outer ear 5 is formed. A flat portion 10 is formed by folding at one circumferential side edge of the first base 4, and a semicircular second base 8 is integrally formed on the flat portion 10 and approximately concentric with the axis of the first base 4, and a group of inner ears 7 is integrally formed on the second base 8. Therefore, the outer ear 5 and inner ear 7 are formed in a single member. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. The two unit members 1 and 2 have the same shape.

[0070] In this embodiment, the outer ear 5 is bent (curved) so that it bulges outward, and the bent portion 5a curls inward. On the other hand, the inner ear 7 is tilted toward the axis of the first stirring unit 3, narrowing inward as a whole, and has an inward-facing head portion (bent portion) 7a at its tip. The head portion 7a can also be bent outward.

[0071] In Fig. 5(C), the flat portion 10 and the second base portion 8 have the same axial length as the first base portion 4, but in Fig. 5(D), the flat portion 10 and the second base portion 8 are formed only on the tip end side of the first base portion 4, and a perfectly circular shape-retaining ring 25 is disposed on the portion of the first base portion 4 where the flat portion 10 and the second base portion 8 are not formed. The first base portion 4 and the shape-retaining ring 25 are joined by spot welding. The two second base portions 8 can be welded to auxiliary shape-retaining rings 25a.

[0072] The manufacturing procedure for the first stirring section 3 of the fourth embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 7. First, a blank is made as a preparation step, and then, as shown in Figure 7(A), the blank is punched to manufacture the unfolded intermediate plate 19 in the first step. As shown in Figure 6(B), the width dimensions of the outer ear 5 and the inner ear 7 decrease toward the tip, but they may be the same width throughout their entire length.

[0073] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the intermediate plate 19 of the two unit members 1, 2 is produced by press working. For this reason, the groove width W2 is set larger than the width W1 of the base of adjacent ears 5, 7. That is, when press working is performed, the grooves are punched out with a punch to produce the intermediate plate 19 having the comb-tooth-shaped portions 17, and the groove width W2 is set to a dimension slightly larger than the width W1 of the base, mainly to ensure the strength of the punch.

[0074] In Fig. 6(A), the outer ear 5 and the inner ear 7 are shown with their tips free, but in reality, the tips of the outer ear 5 and the inner ear 7 are punched out so that they are connected to the margin, and then the margin is cut off to create the shape shown in Fig. 6(A). This is the same for the first embodiment and other embodiments.

[0075] After creating the intermediate plate 19 in an expanded state, as shown in Figure 7 (A), a second step is performed in which the comb-tooth-shaped portion 17 of the intermediate plate 19 is bent as a whole toward one side of the intermediate plate 19 to curve the group of outer ears 5, and the group of inner ears 7 is bent as a whole toward the other side of the intermediate plate 19 to bend the group of inner ears 7, and then a third step is performed in which the tip of the outer ears 5 is curled to form a bent portion 5a, and a head portion 7a is formed at the tip of the inner ear 7.

[0076] The bending of the outer bristle 5 and the bending of the inner bristle 7 can be performed in separate steps. The bending of the tips of the outer bristle 5 and the inner bristle 7 can also be performed before bending the outer bristle 5 and the inner bristle 7 relative to the intermediate plate 19.

[0077] Next, as shown in Figure 7(C), in the fourth step, the first base 4 of the intermediate plate 19 is bent. This creates unit members 1 and 2 with the group of outer ears 5 spread outward. Next, in the fifth step, as shown in Figure 7(D), the portion of the intermediate plate 19 where the inner ears 7 are formed is bent to form the second base 8. This creates a group of inner ears 7 that narrows inward.

[0078] Next, in the sixth step, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 7(D), the second base portion 8 and the two flat portions 10 are folded back toward the first base portion 4, thereby forming the second stirring portion 9 as shown in Fig. 7(E). Then, the two unit members 1 and 2 (identical products) are overlapped and welded together or embraced with a sleeve 6 to be integrated.

[0079] Forming the second base 8 on the flat portion 10 can also be applied to the single-plate structure of the first stirring unit 3 shown in Figure 4 (B). This configuration simplifies the structure. In the embodiment, the second base 8 is connected to the first base 4 of the outer ear 5 via one flat portion 10, but it is also possible to fold the second base 8 back and overlap it on the inner surface of the first base 4 without providing the flat portion 10.

[0080] (5) Fifth Embodiment (Fig. 8) Fig. 8 shows the fifth embodiment. This fifth embodiment is a specific example of the fourth and fifth inventions (and also a specific example of the third invention). This fifth embodiment has a first stirring part 3, a second stirring part 9, and a sleeve 6, and the second base part 8 of the second stirring part 9 extends to the bottom end, while the first base part 4 of the first stirring part 3 overlaps only the tip side of the second base part 8. The sleeve 6 is integrated with the second base part 8 to form a handle.

[0081] The first stirring section 3 and the second stirring section 9 are of a single plate structure, and as shown in FIG. 1C, each has a cylindrical shape with one side edge and the other side edge abutting. In FIG. 1C, the bases 4 and 8 are shown with a gap between their ends, but in practice, it is preferable that the bases 4 and 8 abut. A shape-retaining ring 25 can be placed inside the second base 8.

[0082] In this embodiment, the number of inner ears 7 constituting the second stirring section 9 can be smaller than the number of outer ears 5. Therefore, a group of outer ears 5 is integrally formed on the second base 8 of the second stirring section 9. Specifically, the total number of inner ears 7 and outer ears 5 provided in the second stirring section 9 is set to be the same as the number of outer ears 5 provided in the first stirring section 3, and the inner ears 7 are formed on the second base 8 with two ears spaced apart. In other words, the relationship between the number of inner ears 7 and outer ears 5 in the second stirring section 9 is 1:2, but the relationship in numbers can be set as appropriate.

[0083] In this embodiment, a flange 6a is formed at a position slightly closer to the tip than the mid-length position of the sleeve 6, and multiple ridges (rough edges) 6b are formed below the flange 6a. Electric matcha whisks have a chuck for gripping the sleeve 6, but in this embodiment, the tip of the chuck is positioned above the flange 6a to prevent it from slipping out.

[0084] In this fifth embodiment, the outer ears 5 can be increased, so when used as a tea whisk, the powdered powder of matcha can be crushed finely to produce a powdered tea with good foam. In other words, a mellow taste can be achieved. When forming the group of outer ears 5 by pressing, as mentioned above, a certain dimension is required for the pitch of the outer ears 5, and therefore the number of outer ears 5 arranged in a single layer is limited. However, by forming the outer ears 5 in two layers as in this embodiment, the number of outer ears 5 can be doubled without compromising the ease of pressing.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first stirring section 3 and the second stirring section 9 each have a single plate structure, but it is also possible for either or both of the first stirring section 3 and the second stirring section 9 to be composed of two halves. Note that, although the fifth embodiment has been described as having the outer ear 5 formed integrally with the second stirring section 9, it is also possible for the fifth embodiment to have the first stirring section 3 in a two-layer structure, with a group of inner ears 7 formed in the inner layer.

[0086] (6) Sixth Embodiment (FIG. 9(A)) FIG. 9(A) shows the sixth embodiment. This embodiment is a specific example of the seventh invention, and has two layers of first stirring sections 3, an inner layer and an outer layer, and a second stirring section 9 arranged inside the inner layer first stirring section 3. The inner and outer first stirring sections 3 are made of metal plates, and the second stirring section 9 is made of synthetic resin. As the synthetic resin, it is preferable to use a hard resin with excellent heat resistance and strength, such as nylon 6, nylon 66, polycarbonate, or polyimide resin.

[0087] The second stirring section 9 has many inner spikes 7, the tip of which forms a head 7a that curls inward. The first base 4 of the first stirring section 3 is shorter than the second base 8 of the second stirring section 9, and the portion of the second base 8 where the first base 4 overlaps is formed into a small diameter portion 8a. The two-layer first stirring section 3 is fixed to the second base 8 with rivets, but can also be held in place by a sleeve 6. The inner and outer first stirring sections 3 can both be of a single plate structure or two-half structure.

[0088] The outer ear 5 of the first stirring section 3 is long and spreads outward, making it prone to bending and deformation. Therefore, the first stirring section 3 is made of metal plate to ensure heat resistance and durability, while the inner ear 7 of the second stirring section 9 has a tapered shape, so the external force acting during use is small and the influence of heat is also small. Therefore, by making the second stirring section 9 out of synthetic resin, costs are reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, because synthetic resin molded products have a wide variety of shapes, they have the advantage of being adaptable to a variety of shapes, and it is easy to form the second base 8 into a perfect circle. This makes it easy to manufacture a highly round tea whisk. While it is naturally possible to make the first stirring section 3 a single layer, adopting a two-layer structure as in the present embodiment allows for an increased number of outer ears 5 while still being manufactured from metal plate, improving stirring performance.

[0090] (7) Seventh and Eighth Embodiments (FIGS. 9(B) and (C)) FIGS. 9(B) and (C) show another example of a second stirring section 9 made of synthetic resin. As described above, molded products made of synthetic resin are characterized by a much higher degree of freedom in shape compared to sheet metal products (fewer restrictions on shape selection). Utilizing this characteristic, in the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 9(B) and (C), the tip side of the second stirring section 9 is composed of a cylindrical core material 26a and multiple rib plates 26b arranged on the outside thereof.

[0091] In this embodiment, multiple rib plates 26b can be formed as needed, improving the liquid pushing function. While a tapered portion 26c is formed between the rib plate 26b and the second base portion 8, it is also possible to form the rib plate 26b over the entire upper surface of the second base portion 8. Cleaning is also easy using a brush. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the rib plates 26b are butted together without providing the core material 26a. Alternatively, it is also possible to form a space inside the area surrounded by the group of core materials 26b.

[0092] The eighth embodiment shown in Figures 9(D) and (E) is a modification of the seventh embodiment. First, the group of rib plates 26b is formed to extend over the entire length above the second base portion 8. Another important element is that the group of rib plates 26b do not extend radially from the axis in plan view, but are formed in an inclined position relative to a plane passing through the axis in plan view. In other words, the group of rib plates 26b is formed in a spiral position. The core material 26a is cylindrical or rod-shaped with a closed upper end.

[0093] When the rib plates 26b are arranged in a radial position in plan view as in the seventh embodiment, when the second agitator 9 reciprocates in a fixed direction, the liquid is simply pushed outward in the direction of reciprocation, but when the rib plates 26b are arranged in a spiral position tilted in a fixed direction as in the eighth embodiment, the reciprocating motion also pushes the liquid in the direction perpendicular to each rib plate 26b, causing a swirling flow in the liquid due to the reciprocating motion of the second agitator 9. This improves the ability to expose the liquid to the outer ear, improving the agitation function.

[0094] (8) Ninth embodiment (Fig. 10) Fig. 10 shows the ninth embodiment. This embodiment is an example in which the first stirring section 3 is made of synthetic resin, and is a specific example of the first to fourth inventions and the ninth invention. In this embodiment, an intermediate product 30 is first made using a fixed mold (cavity) 28 and a movable mold (core) 29 that move relative to each other in a certain direction. The intermediate product 30 is formed in an unfolded state in which the outer ear 5 is inclined relative to the first base 4 and a bent portion 5a is formed at the tip of the outer ear 5.

[0095] The chasen is then completed by wrapping the first base 8 around the second base 8 of the second stirring part 9 (not shown) and securing it with a rivet (fastener) or sleeve. The first stirring part 3 can be either a single plate structure or a half-split structure. A feature of synthetic resin molded products is that the pitch of the outer ears 5 can be tightly packed. Therefore, even with a single layer of the first stirring part 3, many outer ears 5 can be formed.

[0096] To facilitate winding the first base 4 into a cylindrical (or semicircular) shape, a group of V-grooves 31 is formed between adjacent outer ears 5 in the inner peripheral portion of the first stirring section 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 9E, the portion of each outer ear 5 that is immersed in the liquid is formed in a spiral shape in a plan view, similar to FIG. 9E. Therefore, the reciprocating motion of the first stirring section 3 generates a swirling flow in the liquid. This improves contact between the liquid and the group of outer ears 5, thereby improving the stirring function.

[0097] It is preferable to have the first stirring section 3 maintain a swirling flow generation function as in the ninth embodiment, while also having the second stirring section 9 maintain a swirling flow generation function as in the eighth embodiment of Figure 9 (E).In this case, if the swirling direction of the first stirring section 3 and the swirling direction of the second stirring section 9 are set to be opposite to each other, the collision function of the group of outer spikes 5 against the liquid can be enhanced, and the stirring function can be further improved.

[0098] (9) Tenth and Eleventh Embodiments (Fig. 11) Fig. 11(A) shows the tenth embodiment. This embodiment is a specific example of the first to fourth inventions and the sixth invention, and both the first stirring unit 3 and the second stirring unit 9 are made of synthetic resin. 2 has the same structure as Figs. 9(B) and (C). The first stirring unit 3 is made in the same manner as described in Fig. 10 and has a single-plate structure. The first base 4 of the first stirring unit 3 fits into the second base 8 of the second stirring unit 9 between the upper and lower flanges 8b and 8c. Although not shown, a group of protrusions (knurled portion) is formed on the second base 8 below the lower flange 8c.

[0099] A feature of this embodiment is that a male thread 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first base 4 of the first stirring unit 3, and a cylindrical nut 33 is screwed onto this male thread 32 from below. The cylindrical nut 33 is held in place by a catch means (not shown) to prevent it from easily rotating back. In addition, the outer periphery of the cylindrical nut 33 is formed with a roughened portion (knurled portion) to provide a good grip for the fingers. The first stirring unit 3 can be either a single piece or a split piece, but in the case of a split piece, it is preferable to provide a positioning means for the two members.

[0100] In this embodiment, consumers can remove the first stirring unit 3 from the second stirring unit 9 by rotating the cylindrical nut 33 back. Therefore, if the first stirring unit 3 becomes dirty during use, it can be removed and easily cleaned with a brush. Needless to say, the male thread 32 is formed during the manufacturing stage of the unfolded intermediate product. A tab plate 34 for holding the second stirring unit 9 in an unrotatable state when rotating the cylindrical nut 33 is provided inside the lower end of the second base 8 of the second stirring unit 9. However, since the second base 8 has an uneven portion, the tab plate 34 is not necessarily required.

[0101] The eleventh embodiment shown in Figure 11(C) is a modification of the tenth embodiment, in which the first base 4 of the first stirring unit 3 is fixed to the second stirring unit 9 by a crimping cylinder 35. Therefore, the first stirring unit 3 is fixed in a state where it will not come off from the second stirring unit 9. The first base 4 of the first stirring unit 3 is provided with a positioning means consisting of a protrusion 36 and a recessed groove 37. This is suitable when the first stirring unit 3 is composed of two halves.

[0102] (10) Twelfth and Thirteenth Embodiments (Figs. 12 and 13) Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment is a specific example of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention. In this twelfth embodiment, the handle 39, first stirring section 3, and second stirring section 9 are made separately. The second base 8 of the second stirring section 9 and the first base 4 of the first stirring section 3 are stacked on the front end of the metal pipe handle 39 and fixed together as a whole by spot welding or the like. The handle 39 has multiple small holes 40 to reduce weight and facilitate bending. The first stirring section 3 and second stirring section 9 are each composed of two half-piece members, but they can also be composed of a single piece.

[0103] In the twelfth example shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the first stirring part 3 has a single layer, while in the modified example shown in Figure 11(C), the first stirring part 3 has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner and outer layer. In these embodiments shown in Figure 12, the handle 39 is made of a pipe (round pipe), ensuring high precision. The first stirring part 3 and second stirring part 9 have a simple structure, which also contributes to cost reduction. The handle 39 can also be made of metal plate, and one or both of the first stirring part 3 and second stirring part 9 can be made of synthetic resin.

[0104] 13(A), like the 12th embodiment, the handle 39, first stirring part 3, and second stirring part 9 are made as separate members. In this embodiment, the handle 39 is a molded product of synthetic resin, and an annular groove 41 that opens toward the tip surface is formed in the upper part of the handle 39, and the second base 8 of the second stirring part 9 and the first base 4 of the first stirring part 3 are fitted into the annular groove 41. The upper part of the handle 39 and the bases 4, 8 of each member are fastened together with a plurality of rivets 42.

[0105] Instead of fixing with rivets 42, it is also possible to clamp by force-fitting a ring cap 43 as shown by the dashed line. Caulking is also possible. A reinforcing rib such as a cross shape can be provided at least at the front of the interior of the handle 39. A knurled portion 39a is formed on the handle 39. The formation of the knurled portion 39a improves the grip of the fingers when making matcha by hand, and functions as a non-slip zipper when used with an electric matcha brewer.

[0106] 13B shows an example of the first stirring section 3 applicable to each of the above embodiments. That is, FIG. 13B is a plan view of the intermediate plate 19, which is one aspect of the manufacturing process of the first stirring section 3. The comb-tooth-shaped portion 17 of the intermediate plate 19 is formed by forming a cutting line 44 on the blank plate by laser processing. In this example, the spacing (pitch) between adjacent outer ears 5 can be halved compared to a press-processed product, so the number of outer ears 5 can be increased without making them double-layered.

[0107] It is of course possible to form each outer ear 5 into a tapered shape by laser processing, but in this case, the laser processing distance becomes longer, which increases processing costs. On the other hand, if the comb-tooth portion 17 is formed by a group of cutting lines 44 as in the embodiment, the laser processing distance can be halved, which reduces processing costs. The cutting lines 44 can also be formed by press processing or electric discharge processing.

[0108] (11) Fifteenth and Sixteenth Embodiments (Fig. 14) Figures 14(A) and (B) show the fifteenth embodiment. This embodiment is a specific example of the first to fifth inventions. In this embodiment, the chasen is composed of a metal handle 39 with a tapered portion 39b that widens toward the tip, and a second stirring portion 9 and a first stirring portion 3 that are overlapped and fixed to the tapered portion 39b of the handle 39. The second stirring portion 9 is formed with an outer bristle 5 and an inner bristle 7, while the first stirring portion 3 is formed with only the outer bristle 5.

[0109] The second base 8 of the second stirring part 9 and the first base 4 of the first stirring part 3 are fixed by spot welding or the like to the tapered part 39b of the handle 39. The ratio of the outer ear 5 to the inner ear 7 in the second stirring part 9 is about 3:1 to 4:1.

[0110] In this fifteenth embodiment, the first stirring section 3 and the second stirring section 9 are unfolded into the fan shape shown in (B). The bases of the outer ear 5 and the inner ear 7 are located at the tip edge of the tapered section 39b, but the circumference of the tip of the tapered section 39b in the handle 39 is greater than the outer diameter of the straight section, so the number of outer ears 5 and inner ears 7 can be increased compared to when the handle 39 is only straight. Therefore, when forming the second stirring section 9 and the first stirring section 3 by punching with a press, the number of ears 5, 7 can be increased while ensuring the dimensions required for the pitch between the ears 5, 7.

[0111] The handle 39 is made of a cylindrical metal pipe, and the tapered portion 39b is formed by expanding the diameter of the material. The second stirring portion 9 and the first stirring portion 3 each consist of a single piece, but it is possible for either or both to be made of two halves. It is also possible to manufacture the handle 39 from a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, and rivet the bases 4 and 8 of the first stirring portion 3 and second stirring portion 9 to the tapered portion 39b of the handle 39.

[0112] 14(C) and (D), the handle 39, second stirring part 9, and first stirring part 3 are also separate members. A top plate 39c provided at the tip of the handle 39 is fixed with rivets 45 to the disk-shaped bases 9a and 3a provided on the second stirring part 9 and first stirring part 3, respectively.

[0113] The second stirring section 9 and the first stirring section 3 are made from flat metal plates, and after creating the petal-like spread intermediate plate 19 as shown in (D), the ears 5, 7 are bent and raised to form a group of outer ears 5 that spread outwards and a group of inner ears 7 that narrow inwards. The inner ears 7 are provided in the first stirring section 3 in the inner layer.

[0114] In this sixteenth embodiment, the width of the slit punched by the punch during punching with a press increases toward the tip, thereby reducing the burden on the punch while reducing the pitch of the bristles 5, 7. In the drawings, the outer diameters of the disk-shaped bases 3a, 9a in the second stirring section 9 and the first stirring section 3 are the same as the outer diameter of the handle 39, but it is possible to set the outer diameter of the disk-shaped bases 3a, 9a to be larger than the outer diameter of the handle 39. In this case, the outer periphery of the disk-shaped bases 3a, 9a becomes longer, allowing the number of bristles 5, 7 to be increased.

[0115] In this embodiment, the handle 39 can also be made of synthetic resin. Alternatively, the handle 39 can be made of wood, and the disk-shaped bases 9a, 3a of the second stirring unit 9 and the first stirring unit 3 can be fixed to the handle 39 with screws.

[0116] (12) Reference Example Figure 15 shows a reference example. In this reference example, the outer ears 5 are each separate, attached to individual holders 50, and held down by sleeves 6. Therefore, the holders 50 and sleeves 6 form a handle 51. The holders 50 are made of plastic and formed into a cylindrical shape, with a number of holding grooves 52 formed on the outer periphery into which the bases of the outer ears 5 fit.

[0117] The holder 50 has a small diameter portion 50a that protrudes backward, and an inward groove 52a that continues to the holding groove 52 is formed on the stepped surface between the small diameter portion 50a and the holder 50, while the outer ear 5 has a foot 53 that fits into the inward groove 52a. Therefore, the outer ear 5 is held in the holder 50 in an accurate position.

[0118] A collar 54 is fitted into the small diameter portion 50a of the holder 50, and the sleeve 6 is also tightly fitted into the collar 54. The sleeve 6 is made of, for example, metal and is press-fit into the holder 50 from the outside. The sleeve 6 has an inward flange 6a that overlaps the rear end surface of the collar 54. Although not shown, an inner ring having an inner ear 7 is attached inside the holder 50. Figure 14(C) shows a modified outer ear 5, which is made by punching out a metal plate.

[0119] (13) Other Although the embodiments (and reference examples) of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of other ways. For example, steel plate or aluminum plate can be used as the material for the first stirring section and the second stirring section. When used as a tea whisk, the tip of the bristles may come into contact with the bottom of the vessel. To prevent the bottom of the vessel from being scratched by rubbing, at least the tips of the outer and inner bristles can be coated with a hard resin. The handle does not have to be perfectly circular; oval or square shapes can also be used. It is also possible to plate both or either the outer or inner bristles.

[0120] If the first stirring section is a single piece, an intermediate piece in an unfolded position is made and then rolled into a three-dimensional shape. However, if the first stirring section is made of synthetic resin and is composed of two halves, the two halves molded into a three-dimensional shape can be stacked and fixed together to form the three-dimensional first stirring section (i.e., no bending process is required).

[0121] The present invention can be embodied in a liquid stirring tool including a tea whisk, and therefore has industrial applicability.

[0122] 1, 2 Half-split unit members constituting the first stirring part 3 First stirring part (outer member) 4 First base part that can become the handle 4a Side end located at the end in the circumferential direction 5 Outer ear (first rod-shaped body) 5a Bent part (curl part) 6 Sleeve 7 Inner ear (second rod-shaped body) 7a Head part 8 Second base part that can become the handle 9 Second stirring part (inner member) 10 Flat part 16 Slit 17 Comb-tooth-shaped part of intermediate plate that becomes the group of outer ears 18 Strip-shaped part of intermediate plate that becomes the base part (handle part) 18a Protruding part of intermediate plate that becomes the flat part 19 Intermediate plate in the manufacturing process 25, 25a Shape-retaining ring 39 Handle as a dedicated item

Claims

1. A liquid stirrer having a cylindrical handle and a first stirring part arranged concentrically with the handle, the first stirring part having a cylindrical first base part either formed integrally with the handle or formed separately from the handle and connected to the handle, and a group of first rod-shaped bodies lined up in the circumferential direction and connected integrally to the first base and extending in the opposite direction from the handle, the group of first rod-shaped bodies having an outward spreading form in which the distance from the axis center increases toward the tip, the first stirring part being in the form of a bent developed product in which the group of first rod-shaped bodies is connected to the flat first base part in a comb-teeth shape, so that the first base part is not continuous with a loop but has one side end and the other side end that are separated in the circumferential direction, and the first stirring part is made of a metal plate or a synthetic resin.

2. A liquid agitator as set forth in claim 1, wherein a curled portion is formed at the tip of each of said first rod-shaped bodies toward the axis.

3. A liquid stirring tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a second stirring part for pushing liquid radially is arranged concentrically with the first stirring part inside the first stirring part, and the handle is formed integrally with the second stirring part or the first stirring part.

4. A liquid stirring tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first base of the first stirring part is formed in a cylindrical shape with one side end and the other side end abutting or adjacent to each other, or is formed by overlapping two halves of a member.

5. A liquid stirring tool as described in claim 3, wherein the second stirring section has a cylindrical second base portion concentric with the first base portion of the first stirring section, and the second base portion is formed with a group of second rod-shaped bodies leaning towards the axis and tapering inwards as a whole, and a group of first rod-shaped bodies which flare outwards with the distance from the axis increasing towards the tip, spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

6. The liquid stirring device according to claim 3, wherein the first stirring section and the second stirring section are both made of metal plate, or the second stirring section is made of synthetic resin and the first stirring section is made of metal plate or synthetic resin.

7. A liquid agitator as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first agitating part is made of a metal plate and has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer.

8. A method for manufacturing a liquid agitator as described in claim 3, comprising the steps of: manufacturing the second agitating part; and manufacturing an intermediate product for the first agitating part in which a group of first rod-shaped bodies is connected in a comb-teeth shape to the flat first base part, the handle being integrally formed with the second agitating part; and wrapping and fixing the first base part of the intermediate product around the second base part of the second agitating part.

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